Rory McIlroy peers unite in support

• Rory McIlroy loses out to Lewis Hamilton
• Ulsterman won back-to-back majors this year
• Poulter labels decision “absolutely ridiculous”
• BBC SPOTY award is a public award

The world of golf has shown its support to Rory McIlroy who lost out the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year award, held last night at The Hydro in Glasgow.

Rory McIlroy, the world’s No.1 golfer, lost out to Lewis Hamilton, the Formula 1 champion.

McIlroy won back-to-back majors at the Open Championship and US PGA, picked up a World Golf Championship, the BMW PGA at Wentworth and helped Europe secure the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, all while rising to world No.1.

But it wasn’t enough to see off Hamilton, who won his second driver’s championship.

The ceremony is voted for by the public, though it didn’t take long for some of McIlroy’s contemporaries to voice their disapproval.

Ian Poulter, one of the Ulsterman’s Ryder Cup teammates this year, said on Twitter that the decision was “absolutely ridiculous”.

Lee Westwood said McIlroy would “just have to win all four” next year, in reference to completing the season grand slam to stand a chance at the BBC vote.

Rory McIlroy : ‘Lewis a worthy winner’

Rory McIlroy, however, praised the efforts of Hamilton – the bookie’s favourite – in winning the award, saying: “Thanks to all who voted for me! Congrats to all the candidates and especially @LewisHamilton, thoroughly deserved and a worthy winner!”

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered