Rory McIlroy breaks silence after awkward knighthood question ahead of The Open

Rory McIlroy has admitted he has "no idea" why he has yet to receive a knighthood after being asked about the subject during a press conference ahead of The Open Championship.

The reigning Masters champion was put on the spot as preparations continued for this week's major, with one reporter asking whether previous media reports about his tax affairs had played any part in him not receiving one of Britain's highest honours.

McIlroy declined to speculate and insisted he had never sought an explanation for his absence from the honours list.

"I have no idea," the 37-year-old said when asked whether the issue had affected his chances of receiving a knighthood.

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"If that honour were bestowed on me one day, that would be amazing, but yeah, I have no idea."

When asked whether he had ever sought clarification over why he had not been recognised, McIlroy replied: "I haven't inquired, no."

The Northern Irishman strengthened his claim to be regarded as one of the greatest golfers Britain and Ireland has produced after completing the career Grand Slam with his Masters triumph in 2025 before successfully defending the Green Jacket a year later.

Those achievements prompted renewed public calls from some commentators and supporters for McIlroy to receive a knighthood.

Reports have previously suggested that McIlroy was among a group of investors in a tax-related investment scheme more than a decade ago, leading to speculation in some quarters over whether that could have affected his chances of receiving an honour.

However, there has been no official statement linking that matter to the honours process, and McIlroy has not previously commented publicly on such speculation.

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There is no suggestion that McIlroy engaged in any wrongdoing.

The investment scheme in question was reported to have been reviewed by HM Revenue & Customs, with reports at the time stating it was lawful, although HMRC retained the ability to challenge tax treatment where appropriate under the law. McIlroy has never been accused by HMRC of deliberate tax evasion.

The four-time major winner was appointed an MBE following his breakthrough US Open victory in 2011 and remains one of the most decorated golfers of his generation.

For now, though, his attention is firmly fixed on adding another major title to his collection.

McIlroy arrives at Royal Birkdale seeking a second Open Championship crown, having lifted the Claret Jug for the first time in 2014.

"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.

"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."

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