Rory McIlroy's Decision on Attending BBC SPOTY Awards
Rory McIlroy has decided to attend next month's Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) awards ceremony, marking his first appearance in over a decade despite previously criticizing the event. The Masters champion aims to become the first golfer since Sir Nick Faldo in 1989 to win the BBC award.
McIlroy’s Past Stance on SPOTY
Although McIlroy has achieved significant success, including back-to-back major wins and being the first UK golfer to do so in modern times, he has not held the SPOTY award in high regard. His best result was finishing runner-up to Lewis Hamilton in 2014.
Reason for Attending
At 36, McIlroy plans to attend the December ceremony for the benefit of golf, acknowledging the value of the show's audience.
"Yeah, the plan is to go. I have more chance of winning if I'm actually there and I recognise that with the audience the show attracts it could only be a good thing for the game. I suppose if I don't win it this time, I never will."
Last year, he had declined to attend despite being one of six contenders after contributing to Ryder Cup success and winning the Scottish Open.
Summary
Rory McIlroy chooses to attend the BBC SPOTY awards this year, recognizing its positive impact on golf despite previous criticism and absence.