Politicians have called for McIlroy to be included in the King’s honours list, with Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt saying the golfer “deserves the highest praise the nation can bestow”.
DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley has written to the Prime Minister calling for a knighthood to recognise McIlroy’s “extraordinary contribution to sport”.
The Daily Telegraph today reported McIlroy was in line for the accolade, and it could come in the New Year’s Honours.
Overnight, US President Donald Trump hailed the Holywood man’s Masters win as “amazing”, while King Charles congratulated McIlroy for his “historic win”.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly praised McIlroy’s famous win, as Taoiseach Micheal Martin hailed a “marvellous national occasion”.
Rory McIlroy has been congratulated by US President Donald Trump and King Charles for his Masters victory.
Paul Kimmage at the Masters The Champion
Co Down golfer McIlroy achieved the career grand slam with his victory in Augusta, Georgia.
He won a sudden-death play-off against Justin Rose to secure the coveted green jacket, completing all four of the sport’s majors.
According to the Telegraph, he appears most likely to be named in the New Year’s list as honours will be close to being finalised for the King’s birthday list in June.
Such a move will still need pushing through by Downing Street, however, as honours officials are largely being instructed now to wait until athletes have retired.
Insiders with close knowledge of the process told the Telegraph he fulfils the criteria of longevity and achievement at the highest level of industry to receive a knighthood.
It came as well-wishes flowed in for the 35-year-old after his epic Augusta win.
Speaking onboard Air Force One, Mr Trump – who owns a number of golf courses around the world – sent his congratulations to the 35-year-old.
“I have to congratulate Rory,” Trump said.
“That took tremendous courage. He was having a hard time, but it showed great guts and stamina and courage.
“People have no idea how tough that is. He came back.
“It’s better for him that it happened that way because that showed real courage to have come back from what could’ve been a tragedy – it was amazing.
“Justin Rose was great. Look, they’re great athletes under tremendous pressure. But unless you’re a golfer, you don’t understand that hundredth of an inch makes a difference between a great shot and a horrible shot.”
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Meanwhile, in a post from the official Royal Family X account, the King offered his “congratulations” to the golfer.
Fellow NI sporting star Carl Frampton described McIlroy as “by far and away the greatest sports man or woman to come from this island”.
Sponsors Nike – who signed a ten-year £150m contract with the NI sport star in 2013 and an extension in 2017 – released a new social media advert immediately after his win.
In the post, Nike said his career grand slam has given him “legendary” status, with the video showing the famous green jacket “always waiting for you”.
The First Minister said McIlroy’s “incredible” triumph placed him among the sport’s greatest.
Speaking in Belfast, Michelle O’Neill said: “It was really an emotional rollercoaster for everybody.
“We all were behind him every step of the way.
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“I think his story is one of such a positive journey that no matter how many setbacks you have in life, if you work hard and are determined, you can get there in the end.
“I look forward to welcoming Rory home. I hope that we have the biggest reception possible because we are bursting with pride in terms of what he has achieved over the weekend.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said she was “absolutely delighted” for McIlroy.
“This is an incredible achievement and he truly has made Northern Ireland proud of the international stage,” she said.
“The way he held his nerve to win it and finally get the green jacket, and to complete the career grand slam is remarkable.”
Ms Little-Pengelly said she was already looking forward to seeing McIlroy on home fairways in the summer when the Open Championship returns to Northern Ireland.
“The reception when he steps onto the first tee at Royal Portrush in July will be incredible,” she said.
“Hopefully he can give the home fans plenty to cheer as he bids to win a second Open Championship.”
Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots said he would ensure there will be an opportunity for MLAs to pay tribute to McIlroy.
He added: “No great sporting achievement comes easily but Rory McIlroy’s story is one of talent, hard work and determination, resilience and perseverance in the face of setbacks.
TUV leader Jim Allister said the golfer’s win was “a remarkable sporting achievement” and said Stormont should plan a “suitable homecoming celebration”.
Rory McIlroy has been congratulated by US President Donald Trump and King Charles for his Masters victory.
‘Dream come true’ – Rory McIlroy finally completes grand slam with Masters win
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Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn also offered his “huge congratulations” to McIlroy.
Irish premier Micheal Martin described the win as “epic”.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said McIlroy’s historic Augusta triumph was a “marvellous national occasion”.
Mr Martin said he had created a “moment in time that we will all remember”.
Mr Martin said McIlroy’s triumph was a lesson in overcoming adversity, adding: “It was that kind of night but fantastic for him.
“And it was a great lesson in life, it’s Easter, people fall, people have ups and downs. It’s a triumph of overcoming adversity, it’s resilience in the most raw way demonstrated last evening.
“He bounced back and right throughout you have a person who is showing tremendous mental resilience, a tremendous lesson for all of us in life and for young people in particular they should watch that and learn from it, that life is about taking on challenges.”
Deputy Irish premier Simon Harris also posted his congratulations.
“A first Masters and a career Grand Slam means he joins some of the very greatest to have ever played the game,” he said.
“A proud day for him, his family and for Ireland.”
