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Just prior to he was crowned, a nervous worry flashed through Rory McIlroy's mind. He admitted he was thinking, "Please don't let it be a Formula 1 star this time."

"This has been a fantastic night for golf," he stated. "The sport was honored in such a major way, with the team winning and then with my award. It's a special evening for golf, and perhaps we can build upon that."

This time around, however, there was no last-minute surprise. The result was clear, allowing a delighted McIlroy to savor a standout evening for both himself and the team winners, who were crowned the year's best team.

Non-Stop Adventures

Choosing not to celebrate at the official reception, McIlroy was already plotting his upcoming event. After played in the Golf Channel Games in Florida and jetted to the UK, he was flying right back to Miami.

"I've had a hectic 24 hours," McIlroy explained. "I'm looking forward to a little bit of downtime over Christmas."

Unfinished Business

Nevertheless, McIlroy insisted he has no plans to rest on his laurels, notwithstanding achieving the ultimate golfing achievement earlier in the year. "I still feel I've got a few good years in me," he asserted.

"More majors, season-long rankings, team competitions, that's the target. But as long as you feel like you can keep progressing and have the desire, that's the most important thing."

Collective Honor

Elsewhere, Ryder Cup partner Tommy Fleetwood, who was on stage to receive the collective trophy, also praised golf's exceptional night and his great friend's individual success.

"These become the memories that will stay with us indefinitely so to get the public's recognition for that is amazing," he stated. "Witnessing it Rory win, I think he is so worthy so much."

After it was noted that McIlroy was only the third player from golf to win the award in its 71-year history, Fleetwood smiled before quipping, "Not a very popular bunch are we!"

Future Goals

His goal is to finally win his first major next year but he acknowledged McIlroy still desires more success. "Provided that you want to be the ultimate competitor, and you're still inspired, you'll find things to work on," he noted.

Football Loyalty

As he was leaving, one final question came up. As a huge Manchester United fan, he has been requested to display his trophies at Old Trafford before. Might he be convinced to do it again after his new triumphs?

"As long as they stop conceding so many goals on their own pitch," he answered with a grin. "Improvements are being made. There's a little bit of positivity around."

Following a 2025 for the ages, it's understandable that he is focusing on the upside.