KNIGHT CLUB

Rory admits becoming a Sir like Murray and Beckham would be 'massive honour'

- BY NEIL MCLEMAN

RORY MCILROY admitted being knighted would rank as "an unbelievably massive honour" after reducing the Race to Dubai to a procession.

The 36-year-old leads Marco Penge, his closest challenger in the season-long race, by eight shots after opening the DP World Tour Championship with a six-under 66.

Mcllroy finished day one two behind event leader Michael Kim and one shy of mate Tommy Fleetwood.

The five-time Major winner is bidding to finish as Europe's No.1 for a fourth consecutive year, his seventh in total.

And off the course, there are growing calls for the Northern Irishman to be handed an even greater honour after completing his career Grand Slam at the Masters in April then leading Europe to an away Ryder Cup win.