Reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy faced an awkward question during a press conference ahead of the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, when a journalist asked whether his tax affairs had prevented him from receiving a knighthood. The 37-year-old Northern Irishman, who completed a career Grand Slam with his Masters win in 2025 and repeated at Augusta in 2026, gave a curt reply: 'I have no idea.'
McIlroy's Response to Knighthood Question
When pressed further on whether his investment in a tax avoidance scheme had influenced the honours list, McIlroy said: 'If that honour were bestowed on me one day, that would be amazing, but yeah, I have no idea.' He confirmed he had not inquired about the omission, stating: 'I haven't inquired, no.'
The Telegraph reported in December 2025 that McIlroy was among 183 investors in a regeneration project in Birmingham, Liverpool, and Sheffield in 2013, which was later investigated but declared lawful. There is no suggestion McIlroy deliberately avoided tax. Tax authorities retained the right to pursue payments if circumstances changed.
Focus on the Open Championship
McIlroy, who received an MBE after his first major win in 2011, is now focused on winning a seventh major title. His only Open victory came in 2014 at Royal Liverpool. 'It's always good to be back at The Open,' he said. 'For someone from this part of the world, this is obviously a huge championship and brings me back to my childhood... It's always great to be back.'
He added: 'I feel like this major season always feels like it goes quicker and quicker every year. Obviously, one last opportunity at one of the big four and try to give it all I've got this week.'
