BBC Names McIlroy Sports Personality of the Year
Masters Victory Completes Career Grand Slam
Shines as Europe's Player of the Year and Ryder Cup Star
'Career Grand Slammer' Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland has been named Sports Personality of the Year.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) announced on December 19 (local time), "McIlroy has been chosen as Sports Personality of the Year," adding, "The European Ryder Cup team, which featured McIlroy and others, was named Team of the Year."
Rory McIlroy is cheering as he lifts the trophy immediately after winning the Masters. Photo by AFP Yonhap News
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year award is given to a British national, a UK resident, or someone who has excelled on the UK stage among those who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in sports during the year. It is the first time in 36 years that a golfer has received this award since Nick Faldo of England, who was born in 1957, won it in 1989-the same year McIlroy was born.
McIlroy claimed victory at the Masters in April, completing the 'Career Grand Slam' by winning all four major championships in men's golf. He is only the sixth player in history to achieve this feat. Ranked No. 2 in the world, he secured three wins on the PGA Tour this year, including the Masters, and also triumphed at The Players Championship, often referred to as the 'fifth major.'
He excelled not only in the United States but also in Europe, being named DP World Tour Player of the Year for the fourth consecutive year and demonstrating world-class performance. He also played a leading role in the European team's away victory at the Ryder Cup, the men's golf competition between the United States and Europe.
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