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McIlroy’s victory at the Masters came 14 years after he looked set to win at Augusta National, having led by four shots after three rounds in 2011 before falling away.<\/p>\n
But he held his nerve this year to claim his first green jacket in a play-off after a late charge from Ryder Cup team-mate Justin Rose. <\/p>\n
McIlroy joined an elite club with his Masters victory – with only Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods having previously completed the career Slam.<\/p>\n
He also clinched a seventh Race to Dubai title<\/a> in 2025 – and fourth in a row – and now sits one shy of Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight European Tour titles. <\/p>\n Asked if he is targeting the Scot’s record in 2026, McIlroy said: “I’d love to give that a go. I still feel like I have a good few years in me. Knock on wood I’ve been injury-free. <\/p>\n “I’ve been on tour for half my life – 18 years – but I still feel the enthusiasm for the game.<\/p>\n “Majors, more Ryder Cups, all that is great but like Tommy [Fleetwood] said as long as you feel you still have that drive to keep on getting better then that’s the most important thing.”<\/p>\n McIlroy was named 2025’s Sports Personality of the Year<\/a> at a ceremony in Salford on Thursday.<\/p>\n Tommy Fleetwood, McIlroy’s close friend, joined him to collect the Team of the Year award<\/a>, which was awarded to Europe for their Ryder Cup success. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n