Rory McIlroy has won the AGW Golf Writers Trophy for an unprecedented fifth time after members of the Association voted to reward the County Down-born player for a year of four wins that culminated in a sixth DP World Tour Race to Dubai triumph.
McIlroy’s fifth victory is a record for an individual in the 74-year history of the award, breaking his tie with Lee Westwood. The Northern Irishman previously claimed the trophy in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2022.
Given that he was also an integral part of the European Ryder Cup winning team of 2023, which landed the award last year, his latest triumph also marks the completion of the award’s second hat-trick of wins, following Padraig Harrington’s run from 2006-2008.
“I am honoured to have been named the AGW’s Golfer of the Year for the fifth time,” McIlroy said in response to the news. “2024 was a year of ups and downs, but finishing the season with a win at the DP World Tour Championship and claiming my sixth Race to Dubai title is an achievement I am very proud of. To match Seve Ballesteros’ haul of European titles is a milestone I will always cherish. I want to thank the AGW for their support and commitment to the great game of golf.”
AGW chairman Philip Reid said: “Rory’s fifth AGW Golfer of the Year award is yet another milestone. He becomes the record recipient of a trophy engraved with the greats of European golf.
“In a year in which he won four times worldwide, McIlroy’s career continues to be one of building blocks towards a great legacy and the season culminated with his sixth Harry Vardon Trophy for winning the DP World Tour’s order of merit.
“On behalf of the AGW membership, I congratulate him on his achievements and wish to thank him for his continuing cooperation with our members at tournaments.”
The Great Britain & Ireland team that regained the Curtis Cup at Sunningdale came second in the vote, while Bernhard Langer claimed third place after another impressive season on the PGA Champions Tour for the veteran German.
AGW members also cast votes for Scotsman Robert MacIntyre, who earned victories either side of the Atlantic, the thrilling charge of England’s Lottie Woad to victory in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, and the season-long resurgence of Italy’s Matteo Manassero.
The AGW Golf Writers’ Trophy will be presented to Rory McIlroy at the 2025 AGW annual dinner ahead of the staging of the Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club in July.