‘It’s a popularity contest. It’s not what it once was’Golfer wasn’t at BBC ceremony or seen via video link
Rory McIlroy has delivered another blow to Sports Personality of the Year by admitting he forgot he was on the shortlist for the BBC event in December.
McIlroy was a notable absentee either in person or via video link for the ceremony, which increased focus on the BBC’s gradual withdrawal from covering live golf in recent years. McIlroy’s Ryder Cup teammate Tommy Fleetwood spoke on his behalf on stage. McIlroy did not finish in the top three of Spoty, which was won by Mary Earps.