Rory McIlroy graciously accepts defeat against Scottie Scheffler & sets sights on BBC's SPOTY award

Rory McIlroy narrowly lost to Scottie Scheffler at the inaugural Optum Golf Channel Games but handled the result with grace. The made-for-TV event ended in a sudden-death playoff, where Scheffler edged McIlroy by the smallest possible margin.

After the contest, quickly turned his attention to his next destination. The The Masters champion confirmed that he was heading to the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, where he has been nominated.

On December 18, McIlroy shared a post on X, writing:

“Great time at the inaugural @Optum @GolfChannel Games. Excited to extend my partnership with Versant as we continue to create more golf content and make it easier for golfers to connect with the game. Now off to Sports Personality of the Year…”

The Optum Golf Channel Games featured five challenges and finished with a one-shot playoff from 47 yards. With the teams tied, McIlroy hit first and left his ball just outside six feet. Scheffler followed, and after an official measurement, his shot was found to be one inch closer, sealing the win.

Team Scheffler, which included Sam Burns, Luke Clanton, and Keegan Bradley, won three of the first four challenges. Team McIlroy, featuring Shane Lowry, Luke Donald, and Haotong Li, claimed the team relay. McIlroy later won the captain’s challenge to force the playoff, but Scheffler won it with the final shot.

McIlroy has now arrived at the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony. He is nominated alongside darts world champion Luke Littler, Formula One champion Lando Norris, Lionesses Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton, and Women’s Rugby World Cup winner Ellie Kildunne.

Can Rory McIlroy win the Sports Personality of the Year this year?

Rory McIlroy is among the leading contenders for the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award after an outstanding season. In 2025, the Northern Irishman completed the Career Grand Slam by winning the Masters, joining an elite group in golf history. He also claimed multiple titles across the PGA and DP World Tours, including wins at Pebble Beach, The Players Championship and the Irish Open.

Rory McIlroy also played a key role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory and picked up several accolades during the year, including the AGW Trophy, strengthening his case for the award.

Golf, however, has a poor record at SPOTY. In the award’s long history, only two golfers have won it, Dai Rees in 1957 and Nick Faldo in 1989. Even recent major champions such as Danny Willett, Georgia Hall and Matt Fitzpatrick struggled to make an impact in the voting.

Rory McIlroy is familiar with that reality. In 2014, he finished second for the award after winning two majors, losing out to Lewis Hamilton. Reflecting on his chances this time, he recently said,

“I suppose if I don’t win it this time, I never will.” (via The Guardian)

There is strong competition again this year. Formula One world champion Lando Norris remains a major rival, while Lionesses star Chloe Kelly is also in contention following her decisive role in England’s Euro 2025 triumph. Still, very few nominees can match Rory McIlroy’s steady form, major wins and overall impact throughout the 2025 season.

Edited by Sonali Verma