Despite historic achievements in 2025, Rory McIlroy was left off the New Year’s Honours List amid an HMRC tax review.
Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy was considered a favorite for a knighthood from King Charles III alongside Tommy Fleetwood and Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, who is also from England. However, all three golfers were not honored this year. In 2025, McIlroy completed his career Grand Slam by winning the Masters, becoming the first European ever to do so. He also impressed at the 2025 Ryder Cup, helping Team Europe to secure their first away victory since 2012 at Bethpage State Park near New York City.
Despite these accomplishments, McIlroy’s name did not appear among the 1,157 honorees on the New Year’s Honours List, which is first reviewed by the Cabinet Office and then by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). According to a report by the British Telegraph, HMRC intervened, similarly to what happened years ago with footballer David Beckham, who also had to wait before receiving a knighthood.
Did Rory McIlroy Deliberately Avoid Tax Payments?
McIlroy, recently named BBC Sports Personality of the Year, was reportedly involved in urban renewal projects in Liverpool, Birmingham, and Sheffield in 2013, which were considered legal tax relief at the time and officially recognized by authorities. However, HMRC later ruled these projects constituted tax avoidance and is currently investigating whether the schemes misused the “Business Premises Renovation Allowance” to deliberately evade taxes. So far, there is no indication that McIlroy intended to avoid paying taxes.
Since HMRC plays a significant role in decisions regarding knighthoods, such an investigation can lead to rejection. Neither McIlroy nor the UK government have commented on the matter so far.