Following his historic Masters victory, Rory McIlroy is rumored to be in line for a knighthood. Mirror U.S. insider sources suggest the 35-year-old is as a top contender for the New Year Honors List in 2025.
If the Holywood man does receive a knighthood, his wife Erica Stoll would also gain a title and formally become Lady Erica. McIlroy's career-defining win on Sunday completed his career Grand Slam, making him one of only six golfers to have won all four major tournaments.
The Northern Irishman is the first European - and just the sixth man in history - to achieve this feat, joining an elite group that includes golfing legends like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player.
Already awarded an MBE in 2012 for his contributions to sport, McIlroy now stands on the cusp of receiving the UK's highest individual honor. While the June King's Birthday Honours list is nearly finalized, influential figures believe his name could be fast-tracked for consideration if Downing Street supports the nomination.
This could soon see McIlroy known as Sir Rory, with his wife also receiving a prestigious title, becoming Lady Erica. The whole of Northern Ireland is buzzing as it gears up to celebrate McIlroy's masterful triumph, with plans underway for official festivities to honor his return. A key suggestion includes bestowing him with the Freedom of the Borough of Ards and North Down.
Council members are convening this week to hash out the finer details of how to appropriately salute the golf star, whose breathtaking victory in a play-off with Justin Rose at Augusta has been hailed as one of the most electrifying moments in modern sports lore.
Ulster Unionist head honcho Mike Nesbitt has proclaimed that McIlroy's stellar accomplishments have eclipsed those of even the most storied Northern Irish sports legends. "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," heralded Nesbitt. "This universally popular figure deserves the highest praise the nation can bestow, and a knighthood is just that."
First Minister Michelle O'Neill chimed in, brimming with pride over Northern Ireland's favorite son, urging one and all to prepare for what might just be the "biggest homecoming celebration possible.
"We all were behind him every step of the way," she enthusiastically remarked. "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."
After securing a victory, Rory McIlroy is buzzing to get back to Northern Ireland to celebrate with his parents, Gerry and Rosie. He has previously opened up about his roots in Holywood, a place he began his golf journey as a wee lad. Yet, some Holywood residents reckon their hometown should be stepping up its game to honor Rory’s achievements.
"I would dearly love something lasting and significant to reflect the achievement," said Linzi McLaren, a local councillor from Holywood. "If you drive through Holywood, you wouldn't even know he is from there. He has put this town on the world map."
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PeacockMcLaren's proposing a few nods to Rory, such as slapping his name on a street or a public square, or maybe launching a golf bursary for Northern Irish young guns shooting for the stars.
If McIlroy ends up getting knighted, he'll be part of a very exclusive club of golf legends, joining the ranks of Sir Nick Faldo, the British kingpin of the sport with six Major crowns but no Grand Slam under his belt. Sir Nick was personally handed his knighthood back in June 2009.
Henry Cotton received a knighthood, although it was conferred after his passing in 1987. Several news sources described it as a "posthumous knighthood" because it was announced to the public post-mortem. Yet, the late Queen had sanctioned the accolade, and Cotton had agreed to accept it prior to his demise.
