Rory McIlroy handed special award after Masters win as golf star gives emotional speech

Rory McIlroy has described winning his second Laureus Award as a "huge honour" after receiving the accolade on Monday. He was presented with the Comeback of the Year prize following his completion of the career Grand Slam with his first Masters victory in April 2025.

The Northern Irishman defeated Justin Rose in a sudden-death play-off to secure the Green Jacket 12 months ago. The 36-year old - a previous recipient of the Breakthrough of the Year award - became only the sixth player in history to claim all four golf Majors after his breakthrough triumph at Augusta.

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"Winning my second Laureus Award is a huge honour, both personally and for golf," he said. "To have the sport recognised on a global stage like this, alongside so many great athletes, means a lot," said McIlroy, who defended his Masters title by winning the Green Jacket for a second time earlier this month.

"There are certain moments in your career that stay with you, and winning The Masters is one I'll carry with me forever. To then have a year like that recognised by Laureus is very special. Completing the career Grand Slam was incredibly emotional.

"It's something I've been chasing for a long time, and it probably means more because of everything that came before it - the near misses, the setbacks, and the questions along the way. That's a big part of the journey, and I'm grateful that this award recognises that.

"I also want to congratulate all of the nominees, especially those in my category. There are some amazing stories there, and I've taken a lot of inspiration from them.

"I know the Laureus Awards were founded by Johann Rupert, who I'm fortunate to know, so that makes this even more meaningful. I also believe strongly in what Laureus stands for and the idea, as Nelson Mandela said, that sport has the power to change the world."

McIlroy's second Masters triumph saw him enter exclusive territory as only the fourth golfer in history to secure consecutive Green Jackets following Sir Nick Faldo, Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.

He held off challenges from world No.1 Scottie Scheffler, Russell Henley, Cameron Young, Tyrell Hatton and Justin Rose to claim victory at Augusta National with a final total of 12 under-par.

Reflecting on his Masters triumph, McIlroy said at the time: "I can't believe waited 17 years to get one Green Jacket and now I've got two in a row, it's just sort of the way."

"I think all my perseverance at this golf tournament over the years has really started to pay off. It was a tough weekend, I did the bulk of my work on Thursday and Friday, but just so so happy to hang in and get the job done."