The BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) award has always been a prestigious honor, celebrating the UK’s finest athletes.
However, the relationship between golf, especially its elite stars, and the award has been far from smooth over the years.
This year, as Rory McIlroy contends for the coveted title, the tension is palpable.
Golf fans and experts are already voicing their displeasure, claiming that if McIlroy does not win, a boycott of the event is inevitable.
Golf’s Frustration with SPOTY
For years, golf has had a complex relationship with the Sports Personality of the Year award.
Despite the sport’s global popularity and its rich history of iconic players, golf stars have often felt overlooked or underappreciated by the BBC’s panel of judges.
The exclusion of high-profile golfers in favor of athletes from other sports has led to increasing discontent, and the spotlight has often been more focused on the "mainstream" sports.
Rory McIlroy, one of the most successful and recognized golfers of his generation, is no stranger to this frustration.
With four major championships to his name and consistent performances at the highest level, McIlroy has often felt his achievements should be more widely acknowledged.
His 2023 season alone has seen him reclaim the No. 1 spot in the world rankings and continue to dominate the PGA Tour.
However, McIlroy’s presence in the SPOTY conversation has not always matched his status in golf.
Why This Year Could Be Different
2023 has been a standout year for McIlroy. After a series of near-misses in the majors, he finally took charge of his game, delivering consistent results and adding to his reputation as one of the game's most complete players.
His leadership in the Ryder Cup, where he helped Europe secure a dominant victory, has only bolstered his case for the SPOTY crown.
However, many golf fans fear that McIlroy’s chances may be dismissed in favor of athletes from other, more popular sports like football or tennis.
For those in the golfing community, McIlroy’s performance in 2023 makes him a natural choice for the award.
His dominance in golf, his global appeal, and his contribution to the sport should make him a front-runner.
But if he fails to win, many believe it will be a clear indication that golf continues to be undervalued in the eyes of SPOTY judges.
The Call for a Boycott
The idea of a boycott of the SPOTY awards is becoming louder as the event approaches.
Some are already claiming that if McIlroy is overlooked once again, it will be time for the golf community to take a stand.
The argument is simple: golf’s elite athletes are being consistently snubbed by a panel that fails to recognize their true achievements.
Many fans argue that McIlroy has earned the recognition.
He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful golfers of the modern era, and his ability to transcend the sport has made him a global ambassador for golf.
If SPOTY continues to ignore this, they argue, it would reflect poorly on the event’s ability to be fair and inclusive.
The proposed boycott could range from a simple withdrawal of support from the SPOTY event to more active protests, including social media campaigns and public statements from major golf organizations.
Some are even calling for sponsors of the event to reconsider their involvement if McIlroy isn’t awarded the honor.
Rory McIlroy's Influence Beyond Golf
McIlroy’s impact on the game of golf extends beyond the fairways.
He has played a key role in the growing global appeal of the sport, attracting new audiences and pushing the boundaries of what athletes can achieve both on and off the course.
His charitable work, his advocacy for mental health awareness, and his stance on important issues in golf, such as the PGA Tour's conflict with LIV Golf, have solidified his place as one of the sport's most influential figures.
It’s not just McIlroy's sporting achievements that make him a worthy candidate for SPOTY.
His work to promote inclusivity and integrity within the sport sets him apart from many other athletes. Given these contributions, it’s clear why many feel he deserves to be recognized in this year’s ceremony.
Looking Ahead
Whether or not a boycott would gain traction remains to be seen, but what is clear is that the golfing community is growing increasingly vocal about its dissatisfaction with the way golf stars are treated by the mainstream sports media.
If McIlroy does not win Sports Personality of the Year in 2023, it could mark the start of a larger conversation about how golf is represented and appreciated in the UK.
As for McIlroy, he is no stranger to overcoming adversity.
Whether or not he wins SPOTY, his legacy in the sport is already cemented.
But for golf fans, a victory for McIlroy at SPOTY would send a powerful message: that the sport is valued, its champions are recognized, and the narrative around golf needs to change.
Conclusion
If Rory McIlroy does not win the Sports Personality of the Year award in 2023, it could signal the need for a broader discussion about golf’s place in the UK sporting landscape.
With his stellar achievements both on and off the course, McIlroy represents everything that the SPOTY award should stand for.
A boycott of the event would be a strong message from the golf community that its stars deserve the recognition they’ve earned. The ball, as they say, is now in the court of the SPOTY judges.
