There have been calls for Rory McIlroy to be knighted in the upcoming King’s birthday honours with councillors in Northern Ireland backing the move
Rory McIlroy is set to be knighted following his historic Masters triumph as calls grow for the golfer to receive the highest civilian title. Sources tell the Mirror that the 35-year-old from Holywood, County Down, is a leading candidate for the New Year Honours list, following his career-defining win on Sunday that completed golf’s coveted Grand Slam.
McIlroy became only the sixth man in history – and the first from Europe – to achieve the feat, joining legends like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player. If McIlroy were to be knighted, it would allow his wife to use the title Lady Erica.
The golfer, who was appointed MBE in 2012 for services to sport, now stands on the cusp of receiving the UK’s most prestigious individual title. While the King’s Birthday Honours list in June is already close to being finalised, senior figures believe that his name could be fast-tracked for consideration if Downing Street supports the nomination.
Celebrations have erupted across Northern Ireland, where McIlroy’s homecoming is expected to be marked with official events, including calls for him to receive the Freedom of the Borough of Ards and North Down.
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Local councillors will meet this week to discuss how best to honour the five-time major winner, whose dramatic play-off victory over Justin Rose at Augusta has been hailed as one of the greatest sporting moments in recent memory. Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt said the golfer’s legacy has now eclipsed even the most iconic Northern Irish athletes.
“For a country the size of Northern Ireland, it is remarkable how many sports people have become icons in their fields – George Best, Mike Gibson, Mary Peters. Rory McIlroy has just trumped all of them,” Nesbitt said.
“This universally popular figure deserves the highest praise the nation can bestow, and a knighthood is just that.” First Minister Michelle O’Neill said the whole of Northern Ireland is “bursting with pride” at McIlroy’s victory and urged the public to prepare for the “biggest homecoming celebration possible.”
“We all were behind him every step of the way,” she said. “His journey is one of incredible perseverance and determination – he shows young people everywhere that if you keep going, you can make your dreams a reality. I look forward to welcoming Rory home with the reception he deserves.”
McIlroy, who now lives in Florida, said after his win that he was looking forward to returning to Northern Ireland to celebrate with his parents, Gerry and Rosie.
The golfer has often spoken of his roots in Holywood, where he first picked up a club as a child, and many local residents believe the town should do more to publicly honour his achievements. “I would dearly love something lasting and significant to reflect the achievement,” said Holywood councillor Linzi McLaren. “If you drive through Holywood, you wouldn’t even know he is from there. He has put this town on the world map.”
McLaren added that ideas under consideration include naming a street or public square after McIlroy, or establishing a golf bursary in his name to support aspiring players from Northern Ireland. Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister said the “onus” is now on Stormont to coordinate a suitable public tribute.
“Given that only a handful of golfers in the world have ever achieved this feat, attention will now turn to how this success will be marked,” he said. McIlroy’s victory has drawn international praise, including a congratulatory message from King Charles, who described the win as “historic.”
If McIlroy was to be knighted, the would be only the third golfer to receive the honour. Sir Nick Faldo, the most successful British golfer of all time with six Major titles, received a knighthood in June 2009 although he never completed the Grand Slam.
Henry Cotton was knighted but it came a year after his death in 1987. It was reported in some media as a «posthumous knighthood» because he had passed away by the time it was publicly announced. However, the Queen had approved the award and he had accepted it, before his death.
