Rory McIlroy claims coveted golf award for record sixth time

Rory McIlroy has been voted the winner of the AGW Golf Writers’ Trophy for an unprecedented sixth time, capping what members of the Association of Golf Writers described as a career-defining 2025 season.

The vote was overwhelmingly in favour of the 36-year-old, whose year was shaped by landmark victories on both sides of the Atlantic. 

As some AGW members noted, the “location, location, location” mantra applied as much to his major moments on the course as it did to his family’s recent move to Wentworth.

McIlroy’s triumphs in 2025 included a historic first Masters title, completing the career grand slam at Augusta National and becoming the first European male golfer to do so. 

The World No.2 also played a key role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage, lifted a second Irish Open, and added PGA Tour wins at Pebble Beach and TPC Sawgrass. 

The season also saw McIlroy secure a seventh DP World Tour Race to Dubai title, moving past Seve Ballesteros and sitting just one behind Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight.

“I am honoured to win the Association of Golf Writers Trophy for 2025, a very special year for me and my family in winning the Masters to become the first European player to complete the career grand slam, an Irish Open, being part of Europe's Ryder Cup win at Bethpage under Luke Donald's captaincy and also claiming a seventh Harry Vardon Trophy,” said McIlroy. 

“It has been a truly special year. I would like to thank the Association of Golf Writers for their support and commitment to golf.”

AGW chairman Philip Reid praised the scale of McIlroy’s achievements, saying: “On behalf of the Association of Golf Writers, I would like to congratulate Rory on what was a truly exceptional year and on claiming our trophy for a record sixth time.

“He added to his legacy in becoming the first European male golfer to claim the career grand slam when winning The Masters in April, a remarkable achievement, along with his many other accomplishments in a standout year.

“On behalf of the AGW’s membership, I thank him for his time given and professionalism in his dealings with the golf media.”

Members acknowledged that, in most other seasons, several of 2025’s standout performers would have been worthy winners. 

But they agreed McIlroy’s achievements placed him above the pack.

Europe’s Ryder Cup team finished second in the poll, with Tommy Fleetwood in third place. 

Other vote-getters included Luke Donald, Lottie Woad, Jeeno Thitikul, Justin Rose, Marco Penge, Maja Stark, and Mimi Rhodes.

McIlroy will receive the AGW Golf Writers’ Trophy at the Association’s annual dinner in July 2026 at Royal Birkdale Golf Club.