Rory McIlroy has won the AGW Golf Writers Trophy for an unprecedented sixth time.
Members of the Association of Golf Writers voted in overwhelming fashion to reward the 36-year-old for a career-defining year of triumph. Indeed, it might be said that the home buyer’s mantra ‘location, location, location; defined his on-the-course success in 2025 just as it informed his family’s move to Wentworth.
Not only did he win a first Masters – and with it complete the career Grand Slam – at Augusta National, McIlroy also contributed to Europe’s Ryder Cup victory in New York, claimed a second Irish Open title, added PGA Tour victories at Pebble Beach and TPC Sawgrass, and took his Green Jacket home to Northern Ireland for the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush.
He also won a seventh DP World Tour Race to Dubai, pulling himself clear of the great Seve Ballesteros and just one shy of Colin Montgomerie’s record tally of eight.
In response to the news, McIlroy said: “I am honoured to win the Association of Golf Writers Trophy for 2025, a very special year for me and my family in winning the Masters to become the first European player to complete the career Grand Slam, an Irish Open, being part of Europe’s Ryder Cup win at Bethpage under Luke Donald’s captaincy and also claiming a seventh Harry Vardon Trophy. It has been a truly special year. I would like to thank the Association of Golf Writers for their support and commitment to golf.”
AGW chairman Philip Reid said: “On behalf of the Association of Golf Writers, I would like to congratulate Rory on what was a truly exceptional year and on claiming our trophy for a record sixth time. He added to his legacy in becoming the first European male golfer to claim the career Grand Slam when winning the Masters in April, a remarkable achievement, along with his many other accomplishments in a standout year. On behalf of the AGW’s membership, I thank him for his time given and professionalism in his dealings with the golf media.”
In casting their votes many members voiced the feeling that, in other years, many of 2025’s highest achieving golfers would have been deserving of the trophy. Nonetheless, they added, McIlroy stood tall.
Europe’s victorious Ryder Cup team came second in the poll, with Tommy Fleetwood claiming third place. Members also cast votes for Luke Donald, Lottie Woad, Jeeno Thitikul, Justin Rose, Marco Penge, Maja Stark and Mimi Rhodes.
The AGW Golf Writers’ Trophy will be presented to Rory at the next annual dinner, which will be held during Open Championship week at Royal Birkdale in July.