RORY McILROY is set to attend the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards show for the first time in more than a decade.
The Northern Irish golfer played a key role in Europe winning the Ryder Cup last month and also added the Masters title to his list of honours.
That has resulted in McIlroy being among the frontrunners to get their hands on the top prize in December.
But he was pipped to the SPOTY gong by Lewis Hamilton in 2014 and has not been in attendance since.
Sir Nick Faldo was the last golfer to win the main prize in 1989, while Dai Rees came out on top in 1957.
McIlroy, 36, is hoping to end the sport’s barren run and reckons that being in the audience will boost his chances.
He told the Telegraph: “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.”
McIlroy hit out after he was snubbed for the 2014 honour despite becoming the UK’s first male golfer to win two consecutive majors in the modern era.
SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN
A matter of weeks later, he said: “Whenever I saw the results, I forgot I was nominated.
“So that’s how much I think about it. It’s a popularity contest. It’s not what it once was.”
McIlroy is in danger of further frustration because Chloe Kelly, who shone as the Lionesses won Euro 2025, has been earmarked as the bookies’ favourite to win SPOTY’s main prize.
But he ended his wait to claim the Masters‘ coveted Green Jacket when he triumphed at Augusta National in April.
He also played a key role in Team Europe winning their first Ryder Cup in the USA since 2012, despite having to contend with vile abuse.
McIlroy holds a commanding lead over second-placed Marco Penge in the Race to Dubai points standings as well.
Keely Hodgkinson was crowned the BBC SPOTY in 2024, having won Olympic gold in the 800m.
SPOTY winner odds
Chloe Kelly – 1/1
Rory McIlroy – 13/8
Lando Norris – 11/2
Hannah Hampton – 20/1
Luke Littler – 25/1
Ellie Kildunne – 25/1
Keely Hodgkinson – 25/1
Source: Betfair
