Will LIV Golf earn OWGR points soon? Plus McIlroy’s ambitions, Donald’s thanks, Henseleit’s wedding and Couples’ new look.
Rory McIlroy has capped off what he calls the best year of his professional career with a bold statement: he’s not done yet. After winning the Masters to complete the career Grand Slam, capturing the Irish Open, and helping Team Europe win the Ryder Cup on U.S. soil, McIlroy was named the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year. But the 36-year-old is already looking ahead. “I don’t know what I’ll do in 2026 to top this, but I’ll try. There’s still a lot more to achieve,” he said. One goal? Matching Colin Montgomerie’s record with an eighth Race to Dubai title. “I still feel like I have a few good years left. Thankfully, I’ve stayed injury-free. And the drive to improve is still there.”
Just a day later, McIlroy was spotted ringside at the Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul boxing match in Miami, where Paul suffered a double jaw fracture. Naturally, McIlroy was again in the spotlight.
Whether McIlroy will spend the holidays in Florida or at his new home in England’s Wentworth Estates remains unclear. What is certain: he’ll return to action on January 2nd with Boston Common in the second season of the TGL. McIlroy confirmed the addition of 24-year-old Michael Thorbjornsen as a substitute for the team, which also includes Keegan Bradley, Adam Scott, and Hideki Matsuyama. “Hideki will be in Japan, Adam in Australia, so Michael will join Keegan and me for our first match.”
OWGR and LIV Golf: ‘There’s a Chance’
The LIV Golf League has renewed efforts to gain recognition from the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). Trevor Immelman, who chairs the OWGR board, revealed ongoing discussions with LIV CEO Scott O’Neil. “We’re working closely to find a solution. I think there’s a chance,” said Immelman. LIV’s decision to switch to 72-hole events and expand its field are steps in the right direction. “OWGR is about meritocracy,” Immelman emphasized. “You have to earn your place and fight to keep it. That’s been a key part of our conversations.”
Team of the Year: Donald’s Gratitude
Golf made history at the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year awards. McIlroy broke a decades-long drought for the sport by winning the top individual honor, the first golfer to do so since Nick Faldo in 1989. The European Ryder Cup team, led by Luke Donald, was also named Team of the Year for their victory at Bethpage Black. McIlroy lifted a second trophy that night, joined by teammate Tommy Fleetwood. The rest of the team sent their thanks via social media, including a heartfelt message from captain Donald.