History of Rory McIlroy in Timeline
Rory McIlroy is a Northern Irish professional golfer renowned for his achievements on the European and PGA Tours. As a former world number one, he held the top spot in the Official World Golf Ranking for over 100 weeks. McIlroy is a five-time major champion and one of only six golfers to accomplish a modern career Grand Slam, notably being the first European to achieve this feat, solidifying his place as a dominant figure in the sport.
2 days ago : Rory McIlroy Prepares for British Open 2025 at Royal Portrush with Practice.
Rory McIlroy gears up for the 2025 British Open at Royal Portrush, prioritizing practice and course familiarity to tackle the challenges ahead. The unpredictability of Portrush is anticipated.
1904: Golf named Olympic sport
Golf was named an Olympic sport for the first time since 1904 at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
1923: Bobby Jones' U.S. Open Win
In 1923, Bobby Jones was the youngest winner of the U.S. Open before Rory McIlroy won it in 2011 at age 22.
November 1972: Granduncle's death
In November 1972, during The Troubles, Rory McIlroy's granduncle, Joe McIlroy, was shot to death by the Ulster Volunteer Force in a sectarian attack at his home.
1980: Jack Nicklaus' U.S. Open Record
In 1980, Jack Nicklaus jointly held the U.S. Open record of 272 before Rory McIlroy broke it in 2011.
1980: Nicklaus' 1980 PGA Championship
In 1980, Jack Nicklaus won the PGA Championship by seven strokes, a record that stood until Rory McIlroy broke it in 2012.
1982: Uncle's Ulster Senior Football Championship Win
In 1982, Rory McIlroy's uncle, Mickey McDonald, won the Ulster Senior Football Championship playing Gaelic football for Armagh GAA.
1987: Ireland's Previous Title in the Championship
Ireland's victory in the 2007 European Amateur Team Championship was their first title in the championship since 1987.
January 1988: Parents' Marriage
In January 1988, Rory McIlroy's parents, Rosaleen "Rosie" McDonald and Gerry McIlroy, married at St Colmcille's Church in Holywood.
May 1989: Rory McIlroy's Birth
In May 1989, Rory Daniel McIlroy was born in Northern Ireland. He would later become a professional golfer.
1993: Lee Janzen's U.S. Open Record
In 1993, Lee Janzen jointly held the U.S. Open record of 272 before Rory McIlroy broke it in 2011.
1997: Watching Tiger Woods' Masters Victory
In 1997, at age eight, Rory McIlroy watched every hole of Tiger Woods' victory at the Masters Tournament, becoming a self-described "anorak" of Woods.
1998: Tiger Woods namesake for PGA tour
From 1998 to 2013, Tiger Woods was the namesake for the EA Sports' PGA Tour video game series, before being replaced by Rory McIlroy in 2015.
2000: Tiger Woods' U.S. Open Record
In 2000, Tiger Woods jointly held the U.S. Open record of 272 before Rory McIlroy broke it in 2011. He also had a 12-under record at Pebble Beach Golf Links before McIlroy's 16-under.
2002: Ulster Boys' U15 Championship Win
In 2002, Rory McIlroy won the Ulster Boys' U15 Championship, marking an early achievement in his amateur career.
2003: Jim Furyk's U.S. Open Record
In 2003, Jim Furyk jointly held the U.S. Open record of 272 before Rory McIlroy broke it in 2011.
2003: Ulster Boys' U18 Championship Win
In 2003, Rory McIlroy won the Ulster Boys' U18 Championship, adding to his amateur achievements.
2004: European Boys' Team Championship and Junior Ryder Cup
In 2004, Rory McIlroy was a member of the Irish team at the European Boys' Team Championship in Finland and part of the European team that won the Junior Ryder Cup against the United States.
2004: Signed Letter of Intent to Play Collegiate Golf
In late 2004, Rory McIlroy signed a letter of intent to play collegiate golf at East Tennessee State University.
May 2005: European Tour Debut
In May 2005, Rory McIlroy made his European Tour debut at the Daily Telegraph Dunlop Masters at age 16.
2005: Won West of Ireland Championship and Irish Close Championship
In 2005, Rory McIlroy became the youngest-ever winner of both the West of Ireland Championship and the Irish Close Championship.
2005: Left School to Focus on Golf
In 2005, Rory McIlroy decided to leave school in order to fully concentrate on his golf career.
2005: McIlroy receives Young Player of the Year award
In 2005, Rory McIlroy received the Young Player of the Year award at the Belfast Telegraph Sports Awards.
2005: PGA Tour Events
In September 2012, McIlroy won the Deutsche Bank Championship and the BMW Championship. He became the first European to win four PGA Tour events in a single season and the only person other than Tiger Woods to win four events in a season since 2005.
August 2006: Won European Amateur
In August 2006, Rory McIlroy won the European Amateur at Biella Golf Club, near Milan, Italy, earning an exemption to The Open Championship.
September 2007: Turned Professional
On 18 September 2007, Rory McIlroy turned professional and signed with International Sports Management, making his first professional start the following day at the Quinn Direct British Masters.
2007: Signed with Jumeirah
From 2007, Rory McIlroy was an ambassador for hotel chain Jumeirah.
2007: Competed for Ireland at European Amateur Team Championship
In 2007, Rory McIlroy competed for Ireland at the European Amateur Team Championship, ultimately defeating France in the final to claim victory.
2007: Major Championship Debut and Ended Amateur Career
In 2007, Rory McIlroy made his major championship debut at The Open Championship, finishing as the low amateur. He ended his amateur career at the 2007 Walker Cup.
2007: Turned Professional and Ranked Number One
In 2007, Rory McIlroy reached number one on the World Amateur Golf Ranking as a 17-year-old and later that year turned professional, establishing himself on the European Tour.
2007: Signed with International Sports Management (ISM)
In 2007, upon turning professional, Rory McIlroy signed with International Sports Management (ISM).
January 2008: Entered Top 200 of OWGR
On 27 January 2008, Rory McIlroy entered the top 200 of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) for the first time.
September 2008: Omega European Masters Playoff Loss
On 7 September 2008, Rory McIlroy lost in a playoff at the Omega European Masters in Crans-sur-Sierre, Switzerland, after holding a four-stroke lead into the final round.
2008: JP Fitzgerald becomes McIlroy's caddie
In 2008, JP Fitzgerald became Rory McIlroy's caddie, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership.
2008: Earned European Tour Card
In 2008, Rory McIlroy secured his European Tour card after a successful start to his professional career.
2008: Started working with Paul Hurrion
In 2008, Rory McIlroy started working with specialist putting coach Paul Hurrion, who identified McIlroy's over-reliance on hand-eye coordination when putting.
2008: McIlroy wins George Best Breakthrough Prize
In 2008, Rory McIlroy won the George Best Breakthrough Prize.
2008: First Winless Year
In 2017, Rory McIlroy had his first winless year since 2008.
2009: Invitation to Masters Tournament
Due to ending the calendar year at 39th in the Official World Golf Ranking in 2008, Rory McIlroy earned an invitation to the 2009 Masters Tournament.
2009: First European Tour Win
In 2009, Rory McIlroy achieved his first win on the European Tour, marking an early career milestone.
2009: Bought house in Moneyreagh
In 2009, Rory McIlroy bought a house in Moneyreagh, a small village south of Belfast, featuring a custom-made practice facility.
2009: PGA Championship Debut and Race to Dubai Ranking
In 2009, Rory McIlroy tied for 3rd on debut at the PGA Championship and finished the season ranked second on the Race to Dubai, marking a successful year.
2009: McIlroy wins Belfast Telegraph Sports Star of the Year award
In 2009, Rory McIlroy won the Belfast Telegraph Sports Star of the Year award.
2009: Tiger Woods had the lowest scoring average
In 2009, Tiger Woods had the lowest scoring average of 68.05.
2009: Tiger Woods wins his second FedEx Cup
In 2009, Tiger Woods won his second FedEx Cup.
2009: Bought Parents a House
In 2009, after finding success as a professional golfer, Rory McIlroy bought his parents a house, ensuring they would not have to work again.
2009: Introduction to "Putting Out of Your Mind"
In late 2009, Rory McIlroy was introduced to Bob Rotella's book "Putting Out of Your Mind" to help improve his putting skills.
2010: Advised to prioritize European Tour
In 2010, Chubby Chandler, from ISM, advised Rory McIlroy to give up his PGA Tour card and prioritize the European Tour.
2010: First PGA Tour Win
In 2010, Rory McIlroy achieved his first win on the PGA Tour, further establishing his professional career.
2010: Began working with exercise physiologist Stephen McGregor
In 2010, Rory McIlroy began working with exercise physiologist Stephen McGregor to address imbalances in his body that were contributing to back problems. McGregor noted a lack of stability and reliance on arm speed in McIlroy's golf swing, focusing on strengthening his legs and core.
2010: First PGA Tour Win at Quail Hollow Championship
In 2010, Rory McIlroy shot a course-record 62 in the final round of the Quail Hollow Championship to win his first PGA Tour event, becoming the first player since Tiger Woods to win before age 21.
2010: Open Championship and PGA Championship Performances
In 2010, Rory McIlroy tied the course record at the Open Championship and finished tied for third. He also finished in third-place at the 2010 PGA Championship, one shot outside of a playoff.
2010: Ryder Cup Selection and European Victory
In 2010, Rory McIlroy was selected to represent Europe at the Ryder Cup, where the team regained the cup. He also announced plans to return to play full-time on the European Tour.
2011: Hired security guards
After winning the 2011 U.S. Open, Rory McIlroy hired security guards for his Moneyreagh property due to increased attention.
2011: Ambassador for UNICEF Ireland
In 2011, Rory McIlroy became an ambassador for UNICEF Ireland and visited Haiti with UNICEF in June of that year.
2011: Began dating Caroline Wozniacki
In 2011, Rory McIlroy began dating Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki.
2011: Left ISM and signed with Horizon Sports Management
In 2011, Rory McIlroy left ISM, feeling misled, and signed with Horizon Sports Management.
2011: Signed with Santander Bank
In 2011, Rory McIlroy signed a multi-million dollar sponsorship agreement with Santander Bank.
2011: RTÉ Sports Person of the Year
In 2011, Rory McIlroy was named RTÉ Sports Person of the Year for his achievements in golf.
2011: McIlroy named RTÉ Sports Person of the Year and BBC Northern Ireland Sports Personality of the Year
In 2011, Rory McIlroy was named the RTÉ Sports Person of the Year and BBC Northern Ireland Sports Personality of the Year following his U.S. Open win.
2011: First Major Championship Win at U.S. Open
In 2011, Rory McIlroy won his first major championship at the U.S. Open, marking a significant achievement in his career.
2011: Masters Tournament
In April 2011, Rory McIlroy led the Masters Tournament after shooting a bogey-free 65 in the first round, making him the youngest player to hold the first-round lead. After 54 holes, he held a four-stroke lead, but in the final round, he shot an 8-over-par 80, finishing in a tie for 15th, 10 strokes behind the winner.
2011: 2011 Season
In July 2011, Rory McIlroy struggled at the Open Championship, finishing tied for 25th. He injured his wrist at the PGA Championship. In October 2011, he won the Lake Malaren Shanghai Masters, earning the $2 million first-place prize. In December 2011, he won the UBS Hong Kong Open.
2011: U.S. Open Victory
In June 2011, at the U.S. Open, Rory McIlroy shot a bogey-free 65 in the first round to take the lead. He set a record for the lowest 36-hole total in U.S. Open history (131, −11). McIlroy posted 68 in the third round, setting the 54-hole scoring record at 199 (−14). He won his first major championship title with a final round of 69, finishing with a 72-hole aggregate score of 268 (−16), a new U.S. Open record. At age 22, McIlroy became the youngest winner since 1923, and the victory lifted him to a new career-high fourth in the OWGR.
2011: Skipped the Players Championship
Rory McIlroy skipped the Players Championship in 2011 due to manager Chubby Chandler's aversion to the PGA Tour.
September 2012: House put up for sale
In September 2012, Rory McIlroy's house in Moneyreagh was put up for sale for £2 million.
2012: Improvement after instruction from Dave Stockton
After receiving putting instruction from former PGA Tour player Dave Stockton, Rory McIlroy credited him for the improvements in his putting following his win at the 2012 PGA Championship.
2012: Ascension to World No. 1
In 2012, Rory McIlroy finished second at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. He won the Honda Classic, reaching the number one position in the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time in his career, becoming the second-youngest man to reach number one.
2012: Ryder Cup Win
In 2012, Rory McIlroy played for Europe at the Ryder Cup, where Europe emerged victorious.
2012: Views on the Troubles
In 2012, Rory McIlroy stated that he doesn't want to be defined by the Troubles in Northern Ireland, as it's not how his generation thinks.
2012: Regret Over PGA Tour Decision
In 2012, Rory McIlroy stated that he regretted his 2010 decision to give up his PGA Tour card and skip the 2011 Players Championship.
2012: McIlroy appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire
In 2012, Rory McIlroy was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to sport.
2012: McIlroy wins Mark H. McCormack Award
In 2012, Rory McIlroy won the Mark H. McCormack Award for leading the Official World Golf Ranking for the most weeks in a calendar year.
2012: Won PGA Championship
In 2012, Rory McIlroy won the PGA Championship, adding to his list of major championship victories.
2012: McIlroy wins multiple Player of the Year awards and Vardon Trophy
In 2012, Rory McIlroy won the PGA Player of the Year, PGA Tour Player of the Year, Vardon Trophy, and Byron Nelson Award, as well as being voted the European Tour Golfer of the Year and European Tour Players' Player of the Year.
2012: Ended ambassadorship with Jumeirah
In 2012, Rory McIlroy's ambassadorship with hotel chain Jumeirah ended.
2012: Tiger Woods surpasses $100 million in official PGA Tour earnings
In 2012, Tiger Woods was the first golfer to surpass $100 million in official PGA Tour earnings.
2012: 2012 Masters Tournament and Wells Fargo Championship
In April 2012, Rory McIlroy struggled at the Masters Tournament, finishing in a tie for 40th. In May 2012, he was in contention at the Wells Fargo Championship and went to a playoff, where Rickie Fowler won.
2012: 2012 Ryder Cup and DP World Tour Championship
In September 2012, Rory McIlroy participated in the Ryder Cup, picking up three points for the European team. He arrived late for his Sunday singles match but defeated Keegan Bradley, helping Europe win. In November 2012, he won the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.
March 2013: Contract extension with Horizon Sports Management
In March 2013, Rory McIlroy agreed to a contract extension with Horizon Sports Management, set to run until 2017.
October 2013: Described Horizon contract as "unconscionable"
In October 2013, Rory McIlroy described his contract with Horizon Sports Management as "unconscionable" and said he had been coaxed into signing it.
December 2013: Got engaged to Caroline Wozniacki
In December 2013, Rory McIlroy and Caroline Wozniacki became engaged.
2013: Created Rory McIlroy Management Services Ltd.
After splitting from Horizon in 2013, Rory McIlroy created a new management company, Rory McIlroy Management Services Ltd., to manage his endorsement royalty payments.
2013: Cancelled Haiti trip and unauthorized donation
In 2013, Rory McIlroy cancelled a trip to Haiti with UNICEF due to a conflict with the Valero Texas Open. His management team, Horizon, then donated $166,000 of his money to UNICEF without his knowledge. Advised by Caroline Wozniacki against donating to NGOs like UNICEF, McIlroy reversed the donation, upset by the unauthorized transaction.
2013: Creation of The Rory Foundation
In 2013, Rory McIlroy created The Rory Foundation, with the goal of supporting children's charities.
2013: Nationality Question
In 2013, Rory McIlroy discussed his options of representing Great Britain, Ireland, or Northern Ireland in the Olympics, stating he feels a connection to both Ireland and the UK.
2013: Signed with Nike, Bose, and Omega
In 2013, Rory McIlroy signed a 10-year endorsement deal with Nike worth up to $250 million to be a brand ambassador for their golf clubs, balls, and apparel. Also in 2013, McIlroy signed endorsement deals with Bose and Omega.
2013: Emirates Australian Open Victory
In December 2013, Rory McIlroy recorded his first win of the year at the Emirates Australian Open, beating Adam Scott by one stroke.
2013: Equipment Change Struggles
In early 2013, Rory McIlroy struggled with an equipment change after signing with Nike. In April 2013, he finished runner-up at the Valero Texas Open and tied for 25th at the Masters Tournament. He had mixed results in other major championships, and as a result, his OWGR ranking dropped.
May 2014: Ended engagement with Caroline Wozniacki
In May 2014, Rory McIlroy ended his engagement with Caroline Wozniacki, stating that he wasn't ready for marriage.
2014: Referenced Man U support after Open Championship
Following his 2014 Open Championship win at Royal Liverpool, Rory McIlroy made reference to his support for Manchester United F.C. during his acceptance speech.
2014: McIlroy leads at the 2014 PGA Championship
In 2014, Rory McIlroy led at the 2014 PGA Championship.
2014: Ryder Cup Win and RTÉ Sports Person of the Year
In 2014, Rory McIlroy played for Europe at the Ryder Cup, where Europe emerged victorious. Also in 2014, he was named RTÉ Sports Person of the Year for the second time.
2014: McIlroy repeats award sweep and named RTÉ Sports Person of the Year
In 2014, Rory McIlroy repeated his award sweep from 2012 and was named RTÉ Sports Person of the Year for a second time and BBC Northern Ireland Sports Personality of the Year for a third time.
2014: Won PGA Championship and Open Championship
In 2014, Rory McIlroy won both the PGA Championship and the Open Championship, marking a successful year in his career.
2014: McIlroy wins Mark H. McCormack Award
In 2014, Rory McIlroy won the Mark H. McCormack Award for leading the Official World Golf Ranking for the most weeks in a calendar year.
2014: Pledge to Cancer Fund for Children
In 2014, through The Rory Foundation, Rory McIlroy pledged £1 million to the Cancer Fund for Children in Newcastle, County Down.
2014: WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and PGA Championship Wins
In August 2014, Rory McIlroy won the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and then the PGA Championship, becoming one of only three players to win four majors by age 25.
2014: Open Championship Victory
In July 2014, Rory McIlroy won the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club by two strokes over Rickie Fowler and Sergio García, claiming his first Open Championship and third major championship. This win placed him alongside Tiger Woods as the only golfers to win both the Silver Medal and the Claret Jug at the Open Championship.
2014: 2014 Ryder Cup
In September 2014, Rory McIlroy participated in the Ryder Cup, finishing with a record of 2–1–2 and contributing to Europe's victory.
2014: Declared he would represent Ireland
On the eve of the 2014 Irish Open, Rory McIlroy declared that he would represent Ireland at the Olympics.
December 2015: Engaged to Erica Stoll
In December 2015, Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll became engaged while on holiday in Paris.
2015: Results not in chronological order
Before 2015, the results are not in chronological order.
2015: Became namesake for EA Sports' video game
In 2015, Rory McIlroy became the namesake for the EA Sports' video game "Rory McIlroy PGA Tour", replacing Tiger Woods.
2015: Ankle injury playing football
In 2015, Rory McIlroy injured his ankle ligaments while playing football with friends, forcing him to withdraw from the 2015 Open Championship.
2015: Laser eye surgery
In 2015, Rory McIlroy underwent laser eye surgery to improve his vision on the golf course, after having previously used contact lenses. He said that he had struggled with reading greens and with hayfever affecting his eyes.
2015: McIlroy Ranked Number One
In 2015, Rory McIlroy was the number one golfer in the OWGR before winning in May 2020.
2015: McIlroy wins Mark H. McCormack Award
In 2015, Rory McIlroy won the Mark H. McCormack Award for leading the Official World Golf Ranking for the most weeks in a calendar year.
2015: Out-of-court settlement with Horizon
In 2015, a bitter legal battle between Rory McIlroy and Horizon Sports Management ended with an out-of-court settlement.
2015: 2015 Season Highlights
In April 2015, Rory McIlroy finished in solo-fourth place at the Masters Tournament. In May 2015, he won the WGC-Cadillac Match Play event and the Wells Fargo Championship, where he shot a course-record 61.
2015: Injury and Return to Play
In July 2015, Rory McIlroy ruptured his left anterior talofibular ligament, leading to his withdrawal from the Open Championship and the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. He returned to play at the PGA Championship, finishing in 17th place.
2016: Equipment Changes and TaylorMade Deal
At the end of 2016, Nike withdrew from the golf equipment market. Rory McIlroy signed a $100 million endorsement deal with TaylorMade.
2016: Charitable Donations
During 2016, The Rory Foundation dispensed a total of £1.15 million to charities in Ireland and the United Kingdom, of which £862,543 was donated directly by McIlroy.
2016: Golf at the Olympics
Golf was an Olympic sport for the first time since 1904 at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
2016: 2016 Season Struggles
In March 2016, Rory McIlroy faltered at the WGC-Cadillac Championship. At the Masters Tournament, he finished tied-10th, citing pressure to complete the Grand Slam.
2016: Irish Open Victory and Olympic Withdrawal
In May 2016, Rory McIlroy won the Irish Open and donated the winnings to charity. He withdrew from the 2016 Summer Olympics due to the Zika virus threat but expressed interest in competing at the 2020 Olympics.
2016: FedEx Cup Win and Ryder Cup
In September 2016, Rory McIlroy won the Deutsche Bank Championship and the Tour Championship, earning his first FedEx Cup title. At the Ryder Cup in October 2016, he won three points but lost his singles match as the United States defeated Europe.
2016: McIlroy wins the Tour Championship
Rory McIlroy had a victory at the Tour Championship in 2016, marking a significant moment in his career.
April 2017: Married Erica Stoll
In April 2017, Rory McIlroy married Erica Stoll at Ashford Castle in Cong, County Mayo.
2017: Winless Season and Injury
In 2017, Rory McIlroy had a winless year, hampered by a rib injury. He took a three-month break to recuperate, dropping to 11th in the OWGR by the end of the year.
2017: Ranked sixth in Forbes' list of highest-paid athletes
In 2017, Rory McIlroy ranked sixth in Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid athletes, earning $50 million, with $34 million from endorsements.
2017: Degenerative disc revelation
In 2017, Rory McIlroy revealed that he had a degenerative disc in his lumbar vertebrae, which he attributed to swinging a golf club since the age of two. He also credited exercise physiologist Stephen McGregor with helping him take better care of his body and extend his career.
2017: Signed with TaylorMade
In 2017, after Nike exited the golf equipment business, Rory McIlroy signed a 10-year, $200-million contract extension with Nike for apparel only, and additionally signed a 10-year, $100-million equipment deal with TaylorMade to use their clubs, ball and bag.
2017: Horizon Sports Management contract was set to run out
Rory McIlroy's contract extension with Horizon Sports Management was set to run out in 2017.
September 2018: McIlroy Competes in the Ryder Cup
In September 2018, Rory McIlroy participated in the Ryder Cup, contributing to Team Europe's victory over Team USA with a 2–3–0 record.
December 2018: Closure of The Rory Foundation
In December 2018, The Rory Foundation shut down, with a spokeswoman stating that McIlroy "is adopting a private philanthropic policy".
2018: Appeared on The Grand Tour
In 2018, Rory McIlroy appeared on an episode of Amazon Prime show "The Grand Tour", racing against Paris Hilton in the "Celebrity Face-Off" segment of the show.
2018: Ryder Cup Win
In 2018, Rory McIlroy played for Europe at the Ryder Cup, contributing to Europe's victory.
2018: Began working with Brad Faxon
Since 2018, former PGA Tour player Brad Faxon has been Rory McIlroy's putting coach.
June 2019: McIlroy wins RBC Canadian Open
In June 2019, Rory McIlroy won the RBC Canadian Open, shooting a final-round 61, and becoming the sixth golfer to win the career Triple Crown.
November 2019: McIlroy wins WGC-HSBC Champions tournament
In November 2019, Rory McIlroy won the WGC-HSBC Champions tournament in a playoff against Xander Schauffele in Shanghai, China.
2019: Founded Symphony Ventures
In 2019, Rory McIlroy founded Symphony Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on healthcare, sports, and technology. He also began wearing a Whoop band in 2019.
2019: McIlroy's successful start to the PGA Tour season and Players Championship win
In 2019, Rory McIlroy had a strong start to the PGA Tour season, achieving five consecutive top-6 finishes, and won the Players Championship in March with a score of −16.
2019: Won The Players Championship
In 2019, Rory McIlroy won The Players Championship, adding another significant title to his career achievements.
2019: McIlroy wins PGA Tour Player of the Year award and Vardon Trophy
In 2019, Rory McIlroy won the PGA Tour Player of the Year award and the Vardon Trophy for the third time.
May 2020: McIlroy participates in charity skins game
In May 2020, Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson won a charity skins game, raising around £4 million for relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 2020: Welcomed a daughter
In September 2020, Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll had a daughter.
2020: Olympic Games Intention
In 2016, Rory McIlroy outlined his intention to compete at the 2020 Olympic Games.
2020: Invested in Whoop
In 2020, Rory McIlroy invested in a $100-million Series E financing round for Whoop.
2020: McIlroy at the U.S. Open and Masters Tournament
In 2020, Rory McIlroy tied for 8th place at the delayed U.S. Open held in September and recorded a top-5 finish at the Masters Tournament, which was delayed until November.
2020: Results not in chronological order
In 2020, the results are not in chronological order.
May 2021: McIlroy wins Wells Fargo Championship
In May 2021, Rory McIlroy won the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club, marking his 19th PGA Tour victory.
August 2021: McIlroy represents Ireland at the Olympic Games
In August 2021, Rory McIlroy represented Ireland at the Olympic Games, tying for third and losing in a seven-man playoff for the bronze medal.
October 2021: McIlroy wins the CJ Cup and earns life membership
In October 2021, Rory McIlroy won the CJ Cup, securing his 20th PGA Tour victory and earning him life membership.
2022: Vocal opponent of LIV Golf
After the emergence of LIV Golf in 2022, Rory McIlroy became a vocal opponent of the Saudi-funded league and some of the prominent individuals associated with it.
2022: Won Third FedEx Cup
In 2022, Rory McIlroy became the first person to win the FedEx Cup three times, surpassing Tiger Woods' previous record.
2022: McIlroy defends title at RBC Canadian Open and finishes top-10 in all four majors
In 2022, Rory McIlroy defended his title at the RBC Canadian Open and finished top-10 in all four majors for the first time in his career.
2022: McIlroy at the Masters Tournament and PGA Championship
In 2022, Rory McIlroy finished as runner-up at the Masters Tournament and held the first-round lead at the PGA Championship.
2022: Founded TMRW Sports with Tiger Woods
In 2022, Rory McIlroy founded TMRW Sports alongside Tiger Woods and Mike McCarley, launching TGL, an indoor golf league.
2022: McIlroy wins Vardon Trophy
In 2022, Rory McIlroy won the Vardon Trophy for a fourth time, achieving the lowest scoring average since Tiger Woods in 2009.
2022: Championship and Invitational discontinued
In 2022, the Championship and Invitational were discontinued.
January 2023: Refused to speak to Patrick Reed
Before the start of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January 2023, Rory McIlroy refused to speak to LIV golfer Patrick Reed, stating that Reed had sent a lawyer to serve him a subpoena on Christmas Eve as part of an anti-trust lawsuit.
2023: McIlroy finishes second at the U.S. Open and wins the Genesis Scottish Open
In 2023, Rory McIlroy finished solo-second at the U.S. Open and won the Genesis Scottish Open.
2023: Joined Alpine racing team investment group
In 2023, Rory McIlroy joined the investment group of the Alpine racing team of Formula One.
2023: Ryder Cup Win
In 2023, Rory McIlroy played for Europe at the Ryder Cup, contributing to Europe's victory.
2023: Fan of the Buffalo Bills
In 2023, Rory McIlroy said that he is a fan of the Buffalo Bills, as his wife Erica is originally from Irondequoit, New York.
2023: Donation towards Cancer Fund for Children lodge
In 2023, it was announced that Rory McIlroy had paid €1 million towards the construction of a Cancer Fund for Children lodge in Cong, County Mayo.
2023: McIlroy at the Ryder Cup and wins fifth Race to Dubai title
In September 2023, Rory McIlroy played on the European team in the Ryder Cup and won his fifth Race to Dubai title in November.
2023: Featured in Full Swing
Rory McIlroy featured in the sports documentary series "Full Swing", which premiered on Netflix in 2023.
May 2024: Filed for divorce
In May 2024, Rory McIlroy filed for divorce from Erica Stoll in Palm Beach County, Florida.
June 2024: Divorce filing withdrawn
By June 11, 2024, Rory McIlroy withdrew the divorce filing from Erica Stoll, stating that they had resolved their differences.
December 2024: Money prize figures updated
As of 31 December 2024, money prize figures are rounded up to nearest Euro.
2024: McIlroy Finishes One Stroke Behind DeChambeau at U.S. Open
During the 2024 U.S. Open, Rory McIlroy entered the final round in second-place, three strokes behind the lead, but finished one stroke behind DeChambeau. At the 2024 Open Championship, McIlroy shot 78-75 and missed the cut, extending his major championship drought to ten years.
2024: Invested in TickPick and valued TMRW Sports
In 2024, Rory McIlroy joined the investment group of the ticket marketplace TickPick and a funding round valued TMRW Sports at $500 million.
2024: Took delivery of a private jet
In 2024, Rory McIlroy took delivery of a Gulfstream G650ER, a private jet, having previously owned a Bombardier Challenger 605.
2024: McIlroy wins European Tour Player of the Year award
In 2024, Rory McIlroy won the European Tour Player of the Year award, now renamed the Seve Ballesteros Award, for the fourth time in his career.
2024: McIlroy wins Zurich Classic of New Orleans and Wells Fargo Championship
In April 2024, Rory McIlroy won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and the Wells Fargo Championship, marking his 25th win on the PGA Tour.
2025: Ball speed update
As of 2025, Rory McIlroy is capable of producing ball speed over 190 miles per hour (310 km/h).
2025: Partnered with TPG to form TPG Sports
In 2025, Rory McIlroy partnered with private equity firm TPG to form TPG Sports, an investment fund targeting the sports sector.
2025: McIlroy ties for 47th at the PGA Championship and loses motivation after winning the Masters
In 2025, Rory McIlroy tied for 47th at the PGA Championship and stated he had lost motivation since winning the Masters.
2025: Won Masters Tournament and Completed Career Grand Slam
In 2025, Rory McIlroy won the Masters Tournament, completing his career grand slam after a 10-year drought in the majors.
2025: McIlroy completes career grand slam at the Masters Tournament
In April 2025, Rory McIlroy won the Masters Tournament in a playoff, completing the career grand slam and becoming the sixth player to win each of the four major championships in the modern era.
2025: Made cameo in Happy Gilmore 2
Rory McIlroy made a cameo appearance in the 2025 film "Happy Gilmore 2", a sequel to "Happy Gilmore" (1996).
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