McIlroy loses out to Lewis Hamilton

Rory McIlroy’s fellow Ryder Cuppers have been sharply critical of his surprise defeat in the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year Award.
McIlroy’s amazing achievements in 2014, which saw him claim successive major titles at the Open and the USPGA Championships, help Europe retain the Ryder Cup and become the world’s No 1 golfer, were overlooked in favour of Lewis Hamilton, who was given the honour at the Glasgow ceremony for winning his second Formula 1 drivers’ world championship.
McIlroy’s Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley said: “Very disappointed. I don’t think that a golfer can have a better year than Rory did.
“Lewis Hamilton had a good year too but it would be difficult for any golfer to do better than Rory did this year.
“He’s a great guy who takes his responsibilities as the world’s No 1 player very seriously. We are lucky to have him. I don’t know why he didn’t win. I don’t know what the issues are but I don’t want to take away from Lewis Hamilton.”
Luke Donald, McIlroy’s Ryder Cup teammate in 2012, wrote on Twitter: “Lot of angry people on my timeline… Unfortunately as long as SPOTY continues to be a public vote then this will continue to happen!
“Some amazingly inspirational stories at SPOTY & a great celebration of British sport but not sure the correct winner is always crowned.”
Lee Westwood quipped: “Technology of the year goes to the silver and red dodgem!!! Just have to win all 4 next year @McIlroyRory!”
Ian Poulter reacted angriest of all, writing: “Absolutely ridiculous that @McIlroyRory has not won Sports Personality 2014. Huge respect to @LewisHamilton but come on.
“@BBCSPOTY has turned into a complete joke. It’s such a great shame. Huge congrats to @LewisHamilton, but he had 1 person to beat all year.”
After apparently receiving a lot of negative backlash for his comments, Poulter added: “As a fellow Stevenage boy who @LewisHamilton is, I have not disrespected him it’s my opinion & my vote. Both great champions, Mcilroy for me.”
Latest
-
PGA Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick: Falling short at US PGA Championship ‘hurts a hell of a lot’
Fitzpatrick carded a closing three-over-par 73 to miss out on the play-off between eventual winner Justin Thomas and Will Zalatoris by two shots.
-
PGA Championship
Justin Thomas pays tribute to caddie Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay after his US PGA victory
Phil Mickelson’s former bagman gave Thomas a crucial pep talk after he shot 74 on Saturday.
-
PGA Championship
Tommy Fleetwood confident he is ‘coming out the other side’ after dip in form
Fleetwood finished in a tie for fifth at the US PGA Championship.
-
PGA Championship
Emotional Justin Thomas credits his experience for US PGA victory
Thomas also won the 2017 US PGA at Quail Hollow.
-
PGA Championship
Justin Thomas eclipses Will Zalatoris in play-off to claim second US PGA title
The former world number one’s victory equalled the biggest comeback in US PGA history.
-
PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy’s Sunday charge at US PGA Championship ends in disappointment
McIlroy’s closing 68 in Tulsa was followed by him declining to speak to waiting reporters.
-
PGA Championship
Paul McGinley says Tiger Woods deserves better than to be a ‘ceremonial golfer’
The 46-year-old withdrew from a major championship for the first time in his professional career at Southern Hills.
-
PGA Championship
Mito Pereira with three-shot lead at US PGA as Tiger Woods withdraws
It is the first time in his career that Woods has withdrawn from a major.
-
PGA Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick relishing chance at securing first major title
A third round of 67 means Fitzpatrick trails leader Mito Pereira by three shots at the US PGA Championship.
-
PGA Championship
Tiger Woods withdraws from US PGA following his worst round at event
The American made the halfway cut with a shot to spare at Southern Hills, but struggled to a nine-over-par 79 in the third round.