McIlroy Reveals A ‘Complicated Relationship’ Being Northern Irish In Ireland.

12 hours ago by 0

Less than  two weeks shy of the real possibility in being Knighted and later today when common sense hopefully will prevail in him being voted BBC 2025 Sportsperson of the Year and Rory McIlroy has spoken of a ‘complication’ being Northern Irish born in Ireland.

It was some three months ago when McIlroy arrived at the K. Club with his Masters winning green jacket among his possessions and then proceeded to endear himself to the whole of Ireland, winning a second Irish Open title in a play-off.

Victory was a 45th win of his pro career and the sixth success of 2025, if you also count being on the winning European Ryder Cup side and being crowned European No. 1 for a seventh occasion.

Of course, capturing a maiden Masters was tops for McIlroy becoming a first European to win golf’s coveted Grand Slam but as he’s been saying for just over three months now, and since the outpouring of emotion and Irish pride at the K. Club, it was not the highpoint of his season nor his career.

McIlroy was guest of Shotgun Start podcast and he was asked if winning The Masters was the highpoint of his career.

And in his reply, McIlroy touched on the ‘complication’ he has faced being born in Northern Ireland and his ‘relationship’ with the Irish nation.

“The Irish Open was the highpoint for me”, he said.

“It wasn’t the first time me going back to Ireland.  I was Masters champion.  Like I am Northern Irish and sometimes the relationship I’ve had with the whole of the country has been a little complicated, at times.

“I just felt like that was such an amazing reception, and like holing that putt on the last to get into the play-off.  Again, it was a bit like what Augusta does so well and that is I did not see a lot of people on their phones as they were really into what they were watching.

“You had son’s and dad’s embracing each other.  It was the most …. in terms of my career, and it’s not going to be the most memorable for people but I talk about this point in my career in trying to create or trying to be a part of these special moments.

“I think Justin Rose spoke about such moments when he won last at Hilton Head.  So, I think once you reach a certain point in your career it’s just about trying to create these special moments.

“Those are the things that are going to stay with you the rest of your life and the Irish Open was one of those for me”.

Well said Sir Rory and congratulations on your (hopeful) SPOTY award later tonight.



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