Rory McIlroy Only Second Favourite to Win SPOTY as Frontrunner Revealed

Rory McIlroy was one of the stars of the show as Europe held off a late Team USA fightback to win the 2025 Ryder Cup.

The Europeans were on fire in the opening two days of the iconic event, storming into a seven-point lead despite tough opposition and a torrent of abuse from a partisan crowd at the Black Course of Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale.

McIlroy’s wife, Erica Stoll, appeared to be hit by a beer in just one of the many flashpoints during a tense weekend of action across the pond.

There was also plenty of foul language from the fans around the course, and an abundance of ill-will between the players.

However, Europe came out on top with McIlroy played a starring role.

It was just the latest triumph in a fantastic year for the 36-year-old from Northern Ireland.

McIlroy ended a 10-year wait to win another major championship when he produced a stunning performance to claim the 2025 Masters.

That victory took his major haul up to five, and now he is in contention to pick up another award.

The odds on McIlroy to win the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year have been slashed following Europe’s victory in New York.

He is now the second favourite according to Betfair after seeing his odds drop from 5/2 to 11/8.

Rory McIlroy in action at the Ryder Cup (Image: Getty)

English football hero Chloe Kelly is the current favourite at 4/5 after helping The Lionesses retain the European Championship in the summer.

Meanwhile, rugby star Ellie Kildunne is in third place with odds of 12/1 after England's recent victory over Canada in the Women's Rugby World Cup final.

Betfair spokesperson James Mackie said: "After helping Europe retain the Ryder Cup on Sunday, odds have been slashed on Rory McIlroy to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

Rory McIlroy reacts to the crowd at Bethpage Black (Image: Getty)

“The Northern Irishman was 5/2 before the first session at the Ryder Cup and after Europe just managed to get over the line and back up 2023’s success in Rome, McIlroy’s SPOTY odds have been slashed to 11/8.

“McIlroy trails Chloe Kelly, who is the odds-on 4/5 frontrunner to win the award, with Ellie Kildunne the third favourite at 12/1.”