Rory McIlroy’s press conference before The Open took an awkward turn when his tax matters were brought up. The six-time Major winner is one of Britain’s most successful athlete, but is yet to receive a knighthood.
This claim was made by The Telegraph, which received no response from McIlroy, the British government or the tax authorities. While facing the media, this hypothesis was put to him in front of the watching media at Royal Birkdale.
“I have no idea,” he replied when asked about his lack of a knighthood. “If that honour were bestowed on me one day, that would be amazing, but yeah, I have no idea.”
McIlroy was subsequently asked if he had received any clarification as to why his name failed to feature on the honours list, to which he curtly responded: “I haven’t inquired, no.”
There is no suggestion McIlroy deliberately looked to avoid paying tax, despite his part in the 2013 scheme, which centered around a regeneration initiative around Birmingham, Liverpool and Sheffield and received investment from 183 individuals.
The scheme was examined two years afterwards and deemed to be lawful, though tax officials retained the authority to request payments at a subsequent point if conditions altered.
Looking ahead to the Masters, McIlroy has a lot of work to do after finishing T7 at 12-under par at the Genesis Scottish Open. However, he insisted he will give it everything. He said: “It’s always good to be back at The Open.
“For someone from this part of the world, this is obviously a huge championship and brings me back to my childhood and watching my heroes try to win the Claret Jug and then coming to The Open for the first time in 2004 at Troon, playing in the Junior Open Championship the week before that.
“Always great to be back. 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.”