(Bernie McGuire – Secretary AGW 2014-’24)
Grand Slam winning Rory McIlroy has been awarded the AGW Golf Writers Trophy for an unprecedented sixth time.
Members of the Association of Golf Writers voted in overwhelming fashion to reward the 36-year-old for a career-defining year of triumph.
Not only did he win a maiden Masters at Augusta National, McIlroy also contributed to Europe’s Ryder Cup victory in New York, claimed a second Irish Open title, added PGA Tour victories at Pebble Beach and TPC Sawgrass, and took his Green Jacket home to Northern Ireland for the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush.
He also won a seventh DP World Tour Race to Dubai, pulling himself clear of the great Severiano Ballesteros and just one money list title shy of Colin Montgomerie’s record tally of eight.
BREAKING NEWS …. Rors honoured by @AGWgolfwriters for an amazing 6⃣th time.
Members of the AGW voted overwhemingly to again recognise @McIlroyRory career-breaking year having won 2012, ’14, ’15, ’22 & ’24 ()
Read: https://t.co/4Hi2z9a1yy
Dave Cannon
✅ @TOURMISS pic.twitter.com/GJz8wNVuHv
— Fatiha (@TOURMISS) December 8, 2025
McIlroy has previously been honoured with the AGW’s ‘Golfer of the Year’ award in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2022 and 2024.
In response to the news a delighted McIlroy said: “I am honoured to win the Association of Golf Writers Trophy for 2025, a very special year for me and my family in winning the Masters to become the first European player to complete the career Grand Slam, an Irish Open, being part of Europe’s Ryder Cup win at Bethpage under Luke Donald’s captaincy and also claiming a seventh Harry Vardon Trophy.
“It has been a truly special year. I would like to thank the Association of Golf Writers for their support and commitment to golf.”
AGW chairman Philip Reid said: “On behalf of the Association of Golf Writers, I would like to congratulate Rory on what was a truly exceptional year and on claiming our trophy for a record sixth time.
“He added to his legacy in becoming the first European male golfer to claim the career Grand Slam when winning the Masters in April, a remarkable achievement, along with his many other accomplishments in a standout year.
“On behalf of the AGW’s membership, I thank him for his time given and professionalism in his dealings with the golf media.”
In casting their votes many members voiced the feeling that, in other years, many of 2025’s highest achieving golfers would have been deserving of the trophy and including the 2025 European Ryder Cup team that won the 2023 award.
No, Rors stood the tallest.
Europe’s victorious Ryder Cup team came second in the poll with Tommy Fleetwood claiming third place. Members also cast votes for Luke Donald, Lottie Woad, Jeeno Thitikul, Justin Rose, Marco Penge, Maja Stark and Mimi Rhodes.
The AGW Golf Writers’ Trophy will be presented to Rory McIlroy at the next annual dinner, in July 2026 at Royal Birkdale GC.
Footnote …
Rory pictured as the 2024 AGW Golfer of the Year at this year’s 2025 AGW annual dinner at Royal Portrush.
