Rory McIlroy to Attend BBC Sports Personality of the Year Ceremony
Golf star Rory McIlroy has decided to attend the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards scheduled for December in Manchester. This will mark his first appearance at the ceremony in a decade, despite initially forgetting he was nominated last year.
McIlroy's Remarkable 2025 Season
The Northern Irish golfer has had an outstanding year, notably winning the Masters with a dramatic finish and playing a key role in Europe's historic Ryder Cup victory.
Expectations for the BBC SPOTY Nominees
The official shortlist for the 2025 BBC SPOTY awards has yet to be announced, but McIlroy is anticipated to be included alongside competitors such as Luke Littler, Chloe Kelly, and Lando Norris.
McIlroy's Changed Attitude Towards SPOTY
"Whenever I saw the results, I forgot I was nominated. So that's how much I think about it. It's not what it once was."
In January 2024, McIlroy expressed a dismissive view of the awards. However, he recently reversed his stance and confirmed his attendance at the live ceremony.
"Yeah, the plan is to go. I have more chance of winning if I’m actually there and I recognise that with the audience the show attracts it could only be a good thing for the game. I suppose if I don’t win it this time, I never will," he said with a smile.
Challenges for Golfers at BBC SPOTY
Historically, winning the award has been difficult for golfers. For example, Matt Fitzpatrick failed to make the shortlist after his 2022 US Open victory, and no golfer has won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year since Sir Nick Faldo in 1989.
Summary: Rory McIlroy, after initially dismissing the BBC Sports Personality awards, will attend the ceremony this December, reflecting a renewed recognition of its value for golf.