Overview
- McIlroy opened the DP World Tour Championship with a six-under 66, two shots behind leader Michael Kim and sharing third after round one.
- He was eight strokes better than closest Race to Dubai rival Marco Penge on day one, while Tyrrell Hatton opened with 70 and Tommy Fleetwood posted 65 to sit one back.
- He said a knighthood would be "an unbelievably massive honour" and stressed the decision lies with others.
- Media reports place him in contention for the 2026 New Year’s Honours and a party leader in Northern Ireland has voiced support, but no award has been announced.
- His 2025 included a Masters win to complete the career Grand Slam and a leading role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory, and only Henry Cotton and Nick Faldo have previously been knighted in golf.