Rory McIlroy is being tipped to receive a knighthood following his historic Masters win at Augusta.
The Northern Irishman's fifth major victory completed the elusive career Grand Slam, joining an elite group of only five other men in history to achieve this feat.
McIlroy, 35, has also become the first European golfer to win all four major championships.
His nail-biting play-off triumph against Justin Rose is being celebrated as one of the great moments in recent sports history.
Rory McIlroy is being tipped to receive a knighthood following his historic Masters win at Augusta
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Should McIlroy be awarded this highest civilian honour, his wife Erica Stoll would also receive an honourable title - becoming formally known as Lady Erica.
Sources have told the Mirror that the golfer is a high priority for the New Year Honours list.
McIlroy was appointed MBE in 2012 for services to sport and now stands on the brink of receiving the UK's most esteemed individual honour.
While the King's Birthday Honours list for June is nearly finalised, high-ranking figures believe his name could be prioritised if Downing Street backs the nomination.
Celebrations have broken out across Northern Ireland, where official events are expected to mark McIlroy's homecoming.
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Rory McIlroy's wife, Erica Stoll, could become 'Lady Erica' if the golf star is given a knighthood following his Masters win
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One proposal is for him to be granted the Freedom of the Borough of Ards and North Down.
Local council members are meeting this week to consider how to commemorate the extraordinary achievements of the British champion.
McIlroy, who now lives in Florida, expressed excitement about returning to Northern Ireland to share his success with his parents, Gerry and Rosie.
The golfing star has frequently discussed his upbringing in Holywood, where he first took up golf as a child.
Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt praised McIlroy, claiming his impact has now surpassed other legendary Northern Irish sporting figures.
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"For a country the size of Northern Ireland, it is remarkable how many sports people have become icons in their fields - George Best, Mike Gibson, Mary Peters. Rory McIlroy has just trumped all of them," Nesbitt said.
First Minister Michelle O'Neill added that Northern Ireland is "bursting with pride" and asked the public to prepare for the "biggest homecoming celebration possible".
"We all were behind him every step of the way," she added.
Many locals believe Holywood should do more to publicly recognise McIlroy's accomplishments.
"I would dearly love something lasting and significant to reflect the achievement," said Holywood councillor Linzi McLaren.
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"If you drive through Holywood, you wouldn't even know he is from there. He has put this town on the world map."
McLaren suggested potential tributes could include naming a street or public square after McIlroy.
Establishing a golf bursary in his name to aid budding players from Northern Ireland was another proposal.
Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister argued that Stormont should organise an appropriate public homage.
Rory McIlroy was pushed all the way by Justin Rose at the Masters on Sunday
REUTERSShould McIlroy receive a knighthood, he would become only the third golfer to be bestowed with such an honour.
Sir Nick Faldo, the most successful British golfer of all time with six Major titles, was knighted in June 2009 despite never completing the career Grand Slam.
Henry Cotton was also knighted, albeit a year following his passing in 1987.
King Charles has already sent a congratulatory message to McIlroy, labelling the win as "historic".
