Lots more to achieve after incredible year – McIlroy
Newly crowned Sports Personality of the Year Rory McIlroy says he has “a lot more to achieve” after an “incredible” 2025.
Northern Irishman McIlroy became only the sixth man to complete the career Grand Slam of all four majors when he won the Masters in a thrilling final in April.
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The 36-year-old then played a pivotal role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory in September, scoring three and a half points to seal a first victory in the United States since 2012.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do in 2026 to top it off, but I’m going to try,” McIlroy told BBC Sport NI.
“I have a little bit of free time over Christmas and New Year and I think it’s a time to maybe highlight the highlights and look at them and reflect.
“It’s been an incredible 12 months and I want to enjoy everything I’ve done, but at the same time it’s not for me – I still have a lot to do.”
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McIlroy’s Masters victory came 14 years after he looked poised to win at Augusta National, having led by four shots after three rounds in 2011 before falling.
But he kept his cool this year to win his first play-off green jacket after a late charge from Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose.
McIlroy joined an elite club with his Masters victory – only Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have ever completed the Slam in their careers.
He also claimed a seventh Race to Dubai title in 2025 – and a fourth in a row – and is now just shy of Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight titles on the European Tour.
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Asked if he was aiming for the Scottish record in 2026, McIlroy replied: “I would love to try. I still feel like I have a few good years in me. Touch wood, I haven’t gotten injured.
“I’ve been touring for half my life – 18 years – but I still feel the excitement for the game.
“Majors, more Ryder Cups, all that’s great but like Tommy [Fleetwood] “I said, as long as you feel like you still have that drive to keep improving, that’s the most important thing.”
McIlroy was named 2025 Sports Personality of the Year at a ceremony in Salford on Thursday.
McIlroy’s close friend Tommy Fleetwood joined him in winning the Team of the Year award, given to Europe for its Ryder Cup success.
