Golf superstar Rory McIlroy has been surprisingly omitted from the 2026 New Year Honours List, despite a phenomenal year in which he won the Masters to complete the career Grand Slam and helped Europe secure the Ryder Cup.
Tax History Echoes Beckham Snub
According to reports, the Northern Irishman's absence is due to an intervention by tax officials. A Whitehall source indicated that McIlroy's situation mirrors the long-running case of football legend David Beckham, who was blocked from receiving a knighthood for years due to a 'red flag' raised over his tax affairs.
The process for honours sees public nominations reviewed by the Cabinet Office, which then consults with HM Revenue & Customs. Any concerns over an individual's tax history can lead to their omission from the final list, which is approved by the Prime Minister and awarded by the King.
A Year of Sporting Triumphs
McIlroy's exclusion comes after what he described as a dream year. In April 2025, the 36-year-old triumphed at Augusta National, finally capturing the Masters title to join the elite group of players who have won all four major golf championships. Later in the year, he was a key part of the European team that won the Ryder Cup on American soil.
His achievements were recognised by the public earlier in December when he was voted the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, becoming only the third golfer in the award's 72-year history to receive the honour.
Honours for Others, Absence for Some
The New Year Honours List featured 1,157 recipients, with 46 coming from the world of sport. Notable awards included damehoods and knighthoods for ice dancing icons Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, and recognition for members of the Lionesses' European Championship-winning squad.
However, McIlroy was not alone in his absence. Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald was also missing from the list, as were Lionesses Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton. Rugby league's Kevin Sinfield, a prolific charity fundraiser, was absent due to a rule preventing an honour upgrade within three years of his last award.
McIlroy, who received an MBE after his first major win in 2011, has not commented publicly on the snub. Speaking after his BBC award win, he focused on his incredible year, thanking his family and fans for their support.
