Rory McIlroy has addressed the growing questions surrounding his absence from the UK’s honors lists, admitting he has no idea why a knighthood has yet to come his way despite completing one of golf’s rarest achievements.
The Northern Ireland star spoke ahead of The Open at Royal Birkdale, where he is chasing a second Claret Jug. While much of the attention has centered on his chances of adding another major title, McIlroy was also asked about a different prize that has so far eluded him: a knighthood.
Despite becoming only the fourth golfer to complete the modern career Grand Slam when he captured the Masters at Augusta National in April, McIlroy was not included in either the New Year’s Honors List or the King’s Birthday Honors List this year. His omission surprised many, given his status as one of Britain’s most accomplished sporting figures and his place among golf’s all-time greats.
Rory McIlroy Says He Has No Answers
When asked why he believes he has twice been overlooked, McIlroy said he simply does not know.
“If that honor would be bestowed on me one day, that would be amazing, but I have no idea,” he said. He was also asked whether he had tried to find out why he had been passed over. “I haven’t enquired, no,” the 37-year-old replied.
Reports Raised Questions After Masters Victory
McIlroy’s name had reportedly been officially nominated for inclusion in the New Year’s Honors List following his Masters victory and completion of the career Grand Slam. However, after his omission, reports resurfaced regarding his involvement in an investment scheme that became the subject of an HM Revenue & Customs investigation in 2015.
There has never been any suggestion that McIlroy acted improperly in relation to the investment. Nevertheless, tax-related issues have previously been reported as a factor in the delay of honors for other high-profile figures. David Beckham, for example, reportedly faced a lengthy wait before finally receiving his knighthood last summer, with concerns surrounding past tax affairs said to have contributed to the delay.
The British honors process remains confidential, and officials rarely comment on individual cases or explain why nominations succeed or fail. As a result, McIlroy said he has not sought any further explanation.
Focus Turns Back to The Open
For now, McIlroy’s attention is firmly on golf.
He returns to Royal Birkdale looking to add a second Open Championship to his résumé and build on the momentum created by his Masters triumph earlier this year. Another major victory would further strengthen a career that already includes multiple major championships, a career Grand Slam, and numerous victories on both sides of the Atlantic.
Whether that eventually leads to a knighthood remains uncertain. McIlroy says he would consider the honor “amazing” if it came, but for now, he says he has no explanation for why it has not happened.
