Rory McIlroy odds slashed to finally land prestigious sports award

Bookmakers have slashed their odds on Rory McIlroy's chances of being named BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

McIlroy had been installed as the hot favourite to pick up the prize for the first time after his Masters victory in April which completed his career Grand Slam haul of majors.

But he slipped to second in the betting to footballer Chloe Kelly, who played a starring role for the England Lionesses as they were crowed European champions for the second time running during the summer.

The SPOTY award has been won by sportswomen for the last four years, and Kelly remains the 4/5 favourite with Betfair to make it five in a row for the ladies.

However, McIlroy's strong performance in helping Europe retain the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black have reignited his claims for the end-of-year honour.

Betfair spokesperson, James Mackie said: “After helping Europe retain the Ryder Cup on Sunday, odds have been slashed on Rory McIlroy to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

“The Northern Irishman was 5/2 before the first session at the Ryder Cup and after Europe just managed to get over the line and back up 2023’s success in Rome, McIlroy’s SPOTY odds have been slashed to 11/8. 

"McIlroy trails Chloe Kelly, who is the odds-on 4/5 frontrunner to win the award, with Ellie Kildunne the third favourite at 12/1.”

McIlroy has been nominated for the SPOTY award on multiple occasions, only to lose out in the public vote.

He was a firm favourite to lift the trophy at the end of his stunning 2014 campaign, winning The Open and the PGA Championship along with his first WGC title and the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

McIlroy also contributed three points towards Europe’s Ryder Cup win later that year at Gleneagles, but his feats were not enough to persuade the British public as they voted for Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton instead, and even Hamilton looked a little sheepish when he collected the award.

McIlroy’s Ryder Cup heroics two years ago earned him another nomination for the prestigious SPOTY award, but he was the only one of the six contenders who did not show up at the ceremony, claiming he simply forgot he was on the shortlist.

Golfers have collected the SPOTY prize on only two occasions since its inception in 1954, with Dai Rees winning in 1957 and Sir Nick Faldo landing the main prize following his first Masters triumph in 1989.