Rory McIlroy was asked about his tax affairs and knighthood prospects at a press conference ahead of the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale
Reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy was awkwardly asked whether his tax affairs have stood in the way of him being given a knighthood. The question came towards the end of a press conference as the Northern Irishman prepares to tee off at the Open Championship.
McIlroy has staked his claim as one of the best ever golfers from the British Isles, if not Europe. He completed a career Grand Slam with his Masters title in 2025 and went back-to-back at Augusta National this year.
There were calls for him to earn a knighthood after that first Masters win but it hasn’t been forthcoming. And questions have been asked about whether his investment in an alleged tax avoidance scheme has been a factor, with the Telegraph reporting on the situation in December.
McIlroy hasn’t previously commented on those Telegraph reports, while there has also been no official comment from either the British Government or tax officials. And when asked about the matter ahead of the Open, the 37-year-old gave a blunt response.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! All the best sports news and much more on our dedicated Facebook page
“I have no idea,” he said when pressed on whether his financial affairs had anything to do with him missing out on the honour. “If that honour were bestowed on me one day, that would be amazing, but yeah, I have no idea.”
Further questions followed, with the Holywood-born star quizzed on whether he had received any clarification as to why his name was absent from the honours list. “I haven’t inquired, no,” he said.
There is no suggestion that McIlroy – who was awarded an MBE following his first major triumph in 2011 – deliberately avoided tax by being one of 183 investors in the scheme in question in 2013. The regeneration project centred on Birmingham, Liverpool and Sheffield was investigated two years later and declared lawful, though tax authorities retained the right to pursue payments at a later date should circumstances alter.
McIlroy’s focus is firmly set on claiming a seventh major title this week. His one and only Open triumph came in 2014 but he is aiming big as he heads to the Lancashire coast.
“It’s always good to be back at The Open,” he said. “For someone from this part of the world, this is obviously a huge championship and brings me back to my childhood and watching my heroes try to win the Claret Jug and then coming to The Open for the first time in 2004 at Troon, playing in the Junior Open Championship the week before that.
“[It’s] always great to be back. I feel like this major season always feels like it goes quicker and quicker every year. Obviously, one last opportunity at one of the big four and try to give it all I’ve got this week.”
Shop the 154th Open collection at the R&A Shop
Prices Vary
R&A Shop
Buy Now on R&A Shop
The R&A Official Shop has unveiled a 154th Open collection ahead of the tournament on 16-19 July.
