Rory McIlroy, the Northern Irish golfing superstar, has reflected on an “incredible” 2025 after being crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year. The 36-year-old described the past 12 months as a career-defining period, but stressed that there is still “a lot more I want to achieve.”

Completing the Career Grand Slam at the Masters

In April, McIlroy etched his name into golfing history by winning the Masters at Augusta National, completing the career Grand Slam of all four majors. Only five other men—Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods—had achieved the feat before him.

The victory was particularly poignant for McIlroy, coming 14 years after he looked set to win at Augusta in 2011, having led by four shots after three rounds before narrowly missing out. This year, he held his nerve in a thrilling play-off, fending off a late charge from Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose to finally claim his first green jacket.

“It’s been an incredible 12 months and I want to enjoy everything that I’ve done, but at the same time, this isn’t it for me – I have got a lot more I want to achieve,” McIlroy told BBC Sport NI.

Ryder Cup Heroics and European Tour Dominance

McIlroy also played a pivotal role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory in September, contributing three-and-a-half points to secure the first European win in the USA since 2012. His leadership and performance were widely praised, further cementing his status as one of golf’s premier players.

On the European Tour, McIlroy captured his seventh Race to Dubai title, fourth consecutive, moving just one shy of Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight European Tour titles.

“I’d love to give that a go. I still feel like I have a good few years in me. Knock on wood I’ve been injury-free,” he said when asked about chasing Montgomerie’s record in 2026.

Reflection, Motivation, and the Road Ahead

Despite his remarkable achievements, McIlroy remains motivated to continue improving. He emphasized that maintaining drive and enthusiasm is key, echoing sentiments shared by close friend and fellow golfer Tommy Fleetwood:

“Majors, more Ryder Cups, all that is great but as long as you feel you still have that drive to keep on getting better then that’s the most important thing.”

McIlroy plans to take some time off over Christmas and New Year to reflect on his successes and recharge for the next season, but his ambition remains clear: more major wins, more Ryder Cups, and the pursuit of further records in the European Tour.

Recognition at Sports Personality of the Year

McIlroy’s achievements were celebrated at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 ceremony in Salford. In addition to his individual accolade, he joined Tommy Fleetwood to accept the Team of the Year award on behalf of Europe for their Ryder Cup triumph.

Key Takeaways

• Rory McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam by winning the 2025 Masters.
• Played a crucial role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory in the USA.
• Claimed his seventh Race to Dubai title, four in a row.
• Named BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025.
• Remains motivated to chase more majors, Ryder Cups, and records in 2026.

McIlroy’s 2025 will go down as one of the most remarkable years in golfing history, yet the Northern Irishman is already looking ahead, proving that even after completing some of the sport’s most coveted achievements, his ambition and drive remain undiminished.