Rory McIlroy Prioritising Family Time This Christmas After ‘Unbelievable Year’

Rory McIlroy is excited to spend some quality time with his family over Christmas after an ‘unbelievable year’.

The Northern Irishman is planning on putting his feet up over the festive period, whilst enjoying some family time with a ‘few glasses of wine’.

Rory McIlroy Plans Quiet Christmas With Family After ‘Unbelievable Year’

Career Grand Slam winner Rory McIlroy had a year to remember in 2025. Not only did the Northern Irishman win the Masters to complete the Grand Slam, but he also won a seventh Race to Dubai title and helped spearhead Team Europe to Ryder Cup success in New York too.

It’s fair to say that 2025 was one of the best of McIlroy’s illustrious career to date, if not the out-and-out number one. After playing his final tournament of the year this past weekend in Australia, McIlroy is ready to put his feet up and relax over the festive period with his family.

McIlroy is ‘best European golfer ever’ according to Colin Montgomerie, and is relishing some much-needed downtime over Christmas.

The 36-year-old is excited to spend quality time with his wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy, watching festive television, eating mince pies and enjoying a few glasses of wine during his end-of-season break.

Rory McIlroy in the Green Jacket Down Under 🇦🇺👏 pic.twitter.com/yAi91ElFMk

— Golf Monthly (@GolfMonthly) December 3, 2025

After finishing in a tie for 14th at the Australian Open, the Holywood golfer revealed his plans for Christmas as he bids to recharge his batteries after a hectic year.

“I’m looking forward to a little break,” said McIlroy.

“I’ve played a pretty heavy schedule post summer with the Irish Open, Wentworth, Ryder Cup and then I’ve sort of been globe-trotting a little bit here the last couple of months.

“I’m excited to have a little bit of downtime and finally reflect on everything.”

The five-time major champion revealed he is looking forward to a few relaxing glasses of wine during the off-season, whilst also reflecting on what he professes has been an ‘unbelievable year’:

“I’m looking forward to the Christmas break and putting my feet up, having a few glasses of wine and thinking back about an unbelievable year.”

🚨🍷🎄 #NEW — Rory McIlroy looks forward to a relaxing Christmas following whirlwind 2025 season.

“I’m excited to have a little bit of downtime and finally reflect on everything, maybe watch a few of the tournaments back. I’ve not really let myself do that too much. Looking… pic.twitter.com/Chzr93sWAS

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) December 7, 2025

Rory McIlroy Tipped For SPOTY Success This Year

Before Rory McIlroy can fully rest and enjoy his Christmas, he may have some business to attend to at the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award.

SPOTY takes place in Salford on Thursday, December 18 with McIlroy anticipated to make his next public appearance in collecting the award.

The Northern Irishman is the favourite to win SPOTY this year, which comes as no surprise given he captured the coveted career Grand Slam with his dramatic Masters victory, not to mention his Ryder Cup performance and winning a seventh Race to Dubai title.

So before the 36-year-old can fully put his feet up and relax over the festive period, he is expected to be in attendance at SPOTY a week before Christmas Day.

Sports Personality of the Year (Thursday, 18 December 2025) current betting:

8/11 Rory McIlroy*
3/1 Lando Norris
7/2 Chloe Kelly
20/1 Luke Littler

*In 2014 McIlroy was 2/5 favourite but beaten (c210,000 to 124,000 votes) by F1's Lewis Hamilton. pic.twitter.com/uyAB8Noo9B

— Sports & Betting History by BestBettingSites (@BettingSitesCom) December 8, 2025

When Is Rory McIlroy’s Next Tournament?

Rory McIlroy revealed his future goals earlier this month, with the world number two very much still hoping to add multiple more majors to his resume before officially retiring from professional golf.

Golf fans can expect to see McIlroy on the fairways for at least another few years, with his next tournament officially confirmed for the New Year and the 2026 season.

The Ulsterman returns to action on the DP World Tour at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic from January 22-25, before then beginning to tee it up on the PGA Tour as well.

Before then, McIlroy is going to enjoy putting his feet up over Christmas whilst spending time with his beloved family.