McIlroy wins Golf Writers' Trophy for fifth time
Rory McIlroy of Team Ireland hits a shot from a green side bunker at the second hole during the first round of the 2024 Paris Olympics at Le Golf National on August 1, 2024 in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Ile-de-France. (Photo by Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR/IGF)
Rory McIlroy has won the AGW Golf Writers Trophy for an unprecedented fifth time.
Members of the Association of Golf Writers voted to reward the Holywood, County Down man (35) for a year of four wins that culminated in a sixth DP World Tour Race to Dubai triumph.
McIlroy’s fifth victory is a record for an individual in the 74 year history of the award, breaking his tie with Lee Westwood. The Northern Irishman previously claimed the trophy in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2022.
Given that he was also an integral part of the European Ryder Cup winning team of 2023, which landed the award last year, his latest triumph also marks the completion of the award’s second hat trick of wins (Padraig Harrington achieved the first in 2006-2007-2008).
“I am honoured to have been named the AGW’s Golfer of the Year for the fifth time,” McIlroy said.
“2024 was a year of ups and downs, but finishing the season with a win at the DP World Tour Championship and claiming my sixth Race to Dubai title is an achievement I am very proud of.
“To match Seve Ballesteros’ haul of European titles is a milestone I will always cherish. I want to thank the AGW for their support and commitment to the great game of golf.”
AGW chairman Philip Reid said: “Rory’s fifth AGW Golfer of the Year award is yet another milestone. He becomes the record recipient of a trophy engraved with the greats of European golf.
“In a year in which he won four times worldwide, McIlroy’s career continues to be one of building blocks towards a great legacy and the season culminated with his sixth Harry Vardon Trophy for winning the DP World Tour’s order of merit.
“On behalf of the AGW membership, I congratulate him on his achievements and wish to thank him for his continuing cooperation with our members at tournaments.”
The Great Britain and Ireland team that regained the Curtis Cup at Sunningdale came second in the vote while the continued success of the apparently indestructible German veteran Bernhard Langer claimed third place.
AGW members also cast votes for Scotsman Robert MacIntyre’s victories either side of the Atlantic, the thrilling charge of England’s Lottie Woad to victory in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, and the season-long resurgence of Italy’s Matteo Manassero.
The AGW Golf Writers’ Trophy will be presented to McIlroy at the 2025 AGW annual dinner at Royal Portrush in July 2025.