Rory McIlroy (right) and Paul McGinley during the 2014 Sports Personality of the Year Awards at the SSE Hydro, Glasgow.

The world of golf has rounded on the decision to award Lewis Hamilton the coveted BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in favour of Rory McIlroy.

The Ulsterman had been the firm favourite to become the first golfer since 1989 - and just the third in the history of the event - to win the prize after a stellar year which saw him emerge as the world's leading player.

In addition to ending the year as the world No1, McIlroy won two majors - The Open and the USPGA - and played a key role in securing Europe's Ryder Cup victory at Gleneagles.

McIlroy was the runaway favourite with bookmakers but instead it was Hamilton who was given the honour at the Glasgow ceremony, as a reward for winning his second drivers' world championship.

The decision - which is made by the public - was swiftly met with a mixture of anger and perplexion by some of the leading figures of golf, who rallied to McIlroy's cause.

His Ryder Cup captain, Paul McGinley, said he was “very disappointed. I don’t think that a golfer can have a better year than Rory did.

“Lewis Hamilton had a good year too but it would be difficult for any golfer to do better than Rory did this year.

“He’s a great guy who takes his responsibilities as the world’s No 1 player very seriously. We are lucky to have him. I don’t know why he didn’t win. I don’t know what the issues are but I don’t want to take away from Lewis Hamilton.”

On Twitter, McIlroy's supporters were equally quick to defend his corner. Luke Donald, the former world No1 and McIlroy's Ryder Cup teammate in 2012, wrote: "Lot of angry people on my timeline... Unfortunately as long as SPOTY continues to be a public vote then this will continue to happen!"

He added: "Some amazingly inspirational stories at SPOTY & a great celebration of British sport but not sure the correct winner is always crowned." Ian Poulter, another member of the European team, was even more outspoken in his criticisms.

Lee Westwood, who also played in Medinah, took a more lighthearted view. "Technology of the year goes to the silver and red dodgem!!! Just have to win all 4 next year @McIlroyRory!"

And Sir Nick Faldo, the last golfer to win SPOTY in 1989, simply retweeted a post from Ant and Dec, poking fun at the decision.

Rory obviously needs faster clubs. D #SPOTY — antanddec (@antanddec) December 14, 2014

Online Editors