Rory McIlroy was the only Sports Personality of the Year nominee to shun an invite to the Salford studios on Tuesday evening with Tommy Fleetwood stepping in to take his place.
The Northern Irishman enjoyed a strong year in golf outside of the majors as he helped lead Team Europe to Ryder Cup glory as the tournament's highest points scorer.
He also won the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai for a fifth time and was tied second for most top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour.
Despite not winning a fifth major, McIlroy was nominated for the Sports Personality of the Year award.
Rory McIlroy was not present at the ceremony
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Seen as an outsider to win the crown, McIlroy opted to shun an invite from the BBC to attend the evening on Tuesday.
That was despite McIlroy being in Liverpool - just 40 minutes away from Salford - on Sunday to watch his beloved Manchester United in action.
He's not the first person to shun an invite to the SPOTY awards ceremony, but most who don't attend in person usually chat via video link.
Frankie Dettori wasn't present in Salford, but did speak to the BBC via video link.
But McIlroy didn't do that either, with his Ryder Cup team-mate Fleetwood stepping in to chat with Gary Lineker on stage.
No reason was given for McIlroy's absence with Lineker adding: "Sadly he's unable to be with us this evening."
Golf coverage on the BBC has diminished over the years and they even turned down a free PGA Tour highlights package this season.
And some social media users feel McIlroy's 'snub' was hardly surprising given the BBC's lack of attention to golf in recent years.
One user on X wrote: "Well I do and believe Rory or Stuart Broad would have won if Cricket and Golf were on BBC."
Another posted: "Well given the BBC's increasingly lack of support for golf, I really don't blame him. Why should he support SPOTY if it doesn't provide any live pro golf."
The 34-year-old ended up finishing outside of the top three at the end of voting with Manchester United and England women's hero Mary Earps crowned Sports Personality of the Year.
Cricket icon Stuart Broad finished second with Heptathlon world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson third.
Earps thanked those who voted for her in an emotional speech at the end of the ceremony, paying tribute to those close to her as well.
Rory McIlroy was in England at the weekend
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"First of all, I’m so humbled to be on a list of such incredible athletes," she said.
"Sport is a fantastic thing where it brings the world together and it's been brilliant to listen to everyone's stories, so congratulations to you all.
"Thanks for voting for me everyone! I’m very honoured and humbled, as this is the ultimate all round sporting accolade. We’ve had an incredible couple of years but this is just wow.
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Rory McIlroy finished outside the top three
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"It’s not been the easiest journey and I wouldn't be here without my loved ones in my corner, who have been with me through the really not so great times.
"The last two years have been unbelievable, I’ve done more than I could have ever imagined. Thank you to my goalkeeping coaches, my team-mates and my coaches."
