Will Rory McIlroy be knighted? Masters champion could join unique list with King’s honour
Rory McIlroy will bask in the glory of finally claiming the most coveted accolade of his career - The Masters.
Now, he could be set for all the privileges that come with completing golf's career Grand Slam, including a potential knighthood.
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The Northern Irishman produced one of the most dramatic final rounds in Masters history to beat Justin Rose in a play-off on Sunday.
In addition to finally claiming the Green Jacket, McIlroy bagged the winners' $4.2million prize pot alongside a host of other honours.
The 35-year-old is no stranger to being honoured by the royal family following a career highlight.
McIlroy, then aged 22, was awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year honours list following his US Open victory in 2011.
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And he's already on the radar of King Charles, who was quick to pass on his congratulations to the golfer after the Masters.
The 76-year-old wrote in a post from the official Royal Family X account: "Congratulations [Rory McIlroy] on your historic win."
Will McIlroy be knighted?
talkSPORT understands golf's world number two is in line for a knighthood, although no official confirmation has been made yet.
McIlroy's Masters win came too late to be included in former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's resignation honours list in April.
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England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker James Anderson was the only sportsperson to be given an award as he is set for a knighthood.
However, the Northern Ireland Assembly has now written to Sunak's successor, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to officially nominate McIlroy for a knighthood.
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A letter from Jonathan Buckley MLA read: “I am writing to respectfully urge you to consider Mr. Rory McIlroy for a knighthood in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to sport, following his momentous victory at the 2025 Masters Tournament.
“With this win, Mr. McIlroy has completed the career Grand Slam – joining the most elite company in golf’s storied history – and, in doing do has become the first man from Northern Ireland to wear the coveted green jacket. This is not only a personal triumph but a source of immense pride for Northern Ireland, and indeed the entire United Kingdom.
“Beyond his sporting excellence, Mr. McIlroy has been a global ambassador for golf and an inspirational figure for countless young athletes. He has conducted himself with consistent grace, humility and sportsmanship throughout his career, elevating not just his own profile, but that of the sport itself.
“A knighthood would be a fitting recognition of his unparalleled achievements and the pride he has bestowed upon our nation.”
Most honours are typically dished out at new year and on the monarch's official birthday, on June 14.
McIlroy was awarded an MBE by the previous monarch, Elizabeth II, over a decade ago for his all-star performance to win the US Open.
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Speaking in December 2011, he said: "I am delighted to be named in the Queen's New Year honours list.
"It is quite humbling to be included in such a list of worthy recipients.
"Many people on the honours list have made huge personal sacrifices and contributed significantly to society during their lives. I feel very fortunate to be in their company."
Should McIlroy be knighted, he would join an illustrious list of golfers to have been given the honour by the royal family.
Sir Nick Faldo, the most successful British golfer of all time with six Major titles, received a knighthood in June 2009.
In doing so, he became only the second professional British golfer to be knighted after Henry Cotton in 1988, a year after his death.
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15 Masters champions rewards
- Green Jacket
- Name engraved on The Masters trophy
- A replica of the trophy
- Masters gold medal
- Gold locket
- Invitation to The Masters Champions Dinner
- Honourary membership to Augusta
- A locker in the Augusta Champions Locker Room
- Access to Champions-only range
- Lifetime invitation to The Masters
- 100 OWGR points and 750 FedEx Cup points
- $4.2million
- Five-year major exemption
- Five-year PGA Tour exemption
- A special Sunday tee time
Queen Elizabeth also made Britain's most accomplished female golfer, Laura Davies, a dame in 2014.
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The most recent saw Lydia Ko of New Zealand becoming the youngest modern-era dame or knight when she was in the 2025 New Year Honours List, joining fellow Kiwi Sir Bob Charles in receiving the honour.
The only other golfing connection is to Australian Joan Hood Hammond, who was celebrated in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 1974 for services to music, but was also a champion golfer.
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