Ulster Unionist Leader, Mike Nesbitt, has called on His Majesty King Charles III to knight Rory McIlroy in recognition of his career Grand Slam after McIlroy made history by becoming only the sixth male golfer to complete the career Grand Slam at the Masters.

Mike Nesbitt MLA said, “For a country the size of Northern Ireland, it is remarkable how many sports people have become icons in their fields. Think George Best, Mike Gibson, and Mary Peters, to name just three.

“Rory McIlroy has just trumped all of them, and with the Grand Slam monkey off his back, looks set for even more success.

“This universally popular figure deserves the highest praise the nation can bestow, and a knighthood is just that.”