'Career Grand Slammer' McIlroy Named Sports Personality of the Year

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 (Northern Ireland) has been named Sports Personality of the Year.

The BBC announced on December 19 (local time), "McIlroy has been selected as Sports Personality of the Year," adding, "The European team, which included McIlroy, was also named Team of the Year for their performance in the Ryder Cup."

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 is awarded to a British national, a resident of the UK, or someone who has achieved outstanding success in sports on the UK stage over the past year. It is the first time in 36 years that a golfer has received this award, since Nick Faldo (England) in 1989, the year McIlroy was born.

McIlroy won the Masters in April, completing the 'Career Grand Slam' by capturing all four major men's golf championships. He is only the sixth player in history to achieve this feat. Ranked No. 2 in the world, he claimed three victories on the PGA Tour this year, including the Masters. He also won 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 ability. In the Ryder Cup, the men's golf competition between the United States and Europe, he played a leading role in securing a European victory on American soil.