Rory McIlroy defended his Masters title with a one-stroke win at Augusta National. The Northern Ireland golfer claimed his sixth major. He joined Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods as one of four players to retain the green jacket.

Nigel Pollock, outgoing captain at Royal Portrush Golf Club, watched the final round. He noted McIlroy overcame a poor start to the last day. Pollock described McIlroy's short game as key in early rounds and his improved ball striking on Sunday.

Pollock called a knighthood for McIlroy the right move. He pointed to McIlroy matching Faldo's major count and completing the grand slam. McIlroy holds honorary membership at Royal Portrush, where he shot 61 as a 16-year-old.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows urged McIlroy receive a knighthood. He described the achievement as the stuff of legend. McIlroy earned an MBE in 2012 for services to sport.

Golf tourism in Northern Ireland hit £86.2 million in 2024, per Tourism NI data. Pollock highlighted courses like Royal Portrush, Portstewart, Castlerock and Royal County Down as draws for visitors.