4 days Ago By Felix Keith
Rory McIlroy is reportedly in line for a knighthood following his historic Masters win, according to reports. The Northern Irish golfer overcame Justin Rose in a nail-biting play-off at Augusta National on Sunday, finally adding the Masters to his impressive list of golfing victories. At 35, McIlroy has now completed the career Grand Slam, having previously won the US Open, The Open and two US PGA Championships.
He made history by becoming the first European, and only the sixth man ever, to complete the set of Majors. He joins an exclusive club that includes American greats Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, as well as South Africa's Gary Player. The victory was particularly sweet for McIlroy, who famously squandered a four-shot lead in the final round of the 2011 Masters.
Despite admitting to being riddled with nerves during his Sunday round, he described the moment he donned the green jacket after defeating Ryder Cup team-mate Rose as a "dream come true". According to The Telegraph , McIlroy's triumph could see him add a knighthood to the MBE he received in 2011. He is expected to be named in the New Year's honours list, which is currently being finalised for the King's birthday list in June.
The question on everyone's lips is whether McIlroy could receive a knighthood while still swinging clubs, as traditionally, such honours are reserved for retired athletes. Nonetheless, with whispers from Downing Street suggesting that Government intervention may dictate that an exception be made due to McIlroy's undeniable longevity and peak performance in his field, fans are hopeful. Hot on the heels of cricket legend Jimmy Anderson's impending knighthood for his unparalleled skilful deliveries on the pitch at 42 years young, McIlroy could soon take up the mantle as the next sporting hero to be knighted mid-career.
Should McIlroy be dubbed 'Sir Rory' by the close of 2025, he'd join the esteemed company of superstars like Sir Andy Murray , Sir Mo Farah, and Sir Lewis Hamilton , while becoming the most distinguished sportsperson from Northern Ireland since jockey AP McCoy was honoured a decade ago. Reflecting passionately on his win, McIlroy said: "I have dreamt about that moment for as long as I can remember. I mentioned it out in the prize ceremony, but watching Tiger [Woods] here in 1997 do what he did, and then winning his first green jacket, I think that inspired so many of my generation to want to emulate what he did.
" He also candidly discussed the challenges he's faced in his professional journey: "You know, there were points in my career where I didn't know if I would have this nice garment over my shoulders, but I didn't make it easy today." Finally, summing up his latest victory, McIlroy shared, "I certainly didn't make it easy. I was nervous.
It was one of the toughest days I've ever had on the golf course.".
