Rory McIlroy named Sports Personality of the Year to end golf’s drought
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Masters champion is first golfer in 36 years to claim award
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Kildunne finishes second in vote and Norris third
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Ryder Cup side win team award and Wiegman coach prize
A full-throated “Rory roar” reverberated around MediaCity in Salford as Rory McIlroy became the first golfer in 36 years to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award – and tie a bow on a year for the ages.
It was a fitting reward for the 36-year-old, who completed a career grand slam at the Masters in April and then led Europe to a thrilling Ryder Cup victory in New York, in the teeth of unrelenting hostility from American fans. For good measure, he also won the European Order of Merit too.