Rory McIlroy is a Northern Irish professional golfer renowned for his achievements on both the PGA and European Tours. He has held the world number one ranking for over 100 weeks. McIlroy is a six-time major champion and one of only six golfers to complete the modern career Grand Slam, being the first European to accomplish this feat.
In 1923, Bobby Jones won the U.S. Open and, prior to Rory McIlroy's win in 2011, was the youngest player to win the U.S. Open.
In 1980, Jack Nicklaus jointly held the U.S. Open record of 272, along with Lee Janzen (1993), Tiger Woods (2000) and Jim Furyk (2003), which was later broken by Rory McIlroy in 2011.
In 1980, Jack Nicklaus won the PGA Championship by seven strokes. This record stood until Rory McIlroy won the 2012 PGA Championship by eight strokes.
In 1982, Rory McIlroy's uncle, Mickey McDonald, won the Ulster Senior Football Championship playing Gaelic football for Armagh GAA, highlighting the family's athletic background.
In 2007, Ireland won the European Amateur Team Championship. The last time Ireland won was in 1987.
In January 1988, Rory McIlroy's parents, Rosaleen McDonald and Gerry McIlroy, were married at St Colmcille's Church in Holywood, Northern Ireland. Both were 27 years old.
In May 1989, Rory McIlroy was born in Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland. His parents, Rosaleen and Gerry McIlroy, had met while his mother worked at a bar managed by his father.
On May 4, 1989, Rory Daniel McIlroy was born in Northern Ireland. He is a professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour and the European Tour and is a former world number one.
In 1993, Lee Janzen jointly held the U.S. Open record of 272, along with Jack Nicklaus (1980), Tiger Woods (2000) and Jim Furyk (2003), which was later broken by Rory McIlroy in 2011.
In 1996, the original movie "Happy Gilmore" was released, a movie that Rory McIlroy would later make a cameo in the sequel to.
In 1997, eight-year-old Rory McIlroy watched every hole of Tiger Woods's victory at the Masters Tournament, becoming a self-described "anorak" of Woods and drawing inspiration for his own golfing aspirations.
In 2000, Tiger Woods jointly held the U.S. Open record of 272, along with Jack Nicklaus (1980), Lee Janzen (1993) and Jim Furyk (2003), which was later broken by Rory McIlroy in 2011. Also, Tiger Woods's 12-under at Pebble Beach Golf Links was beaten by McIlroy's 16-under in relation to par.
In 2002, Rory McIlroy won the Ulster Boys' U15 Championship, showcasing his early talent in golf.
In 2003, Jim Furyk jointly held the U.S. Open record of 272, along with Jack Nicklaus (1980), Lee Janzen (1993) and Tiger Woods (2000), which was later broken by Rory McIlroy in 2011.
In 2003, Rory McIlroy won the Ulster Boys' U18 Championship, adding to his list of early achievements in golf.
In 2004, Rory McIlroy was a member of the Irish team at the European Boys' Team Championship in Finland and also participated in the European team that won the Junior Ryder Cup against the United States in Ohio.
In late 2004, Rory McIlroy signed a letter of intent to play collegiate golf at East Tennessee State University, but ultimately decided to forgo the scholarship.
In May 2005, at age 16, Rory McIlroy made his European Tour debut at the Daily Telegraph Dunlop Masters.
In August 2005, Rory McIlroy made his first cut in a professional tournament at the Morson International Pro-Am Challenge, finishing seven strokes behind the winner.
In 2005, Rory McIlroy became the youngest-ever winner of both the West of Ireland Championship and the Irish Close Championship, a major milestone in his amateur career.
In 2005, Rory McIlroy decided to leave school in order to concentrate on golf, demonstrating his commitment to his professional career.
In 2005, Rory McIlroy represented Ireland at the European Amateur Team Championship; however, Ireland did not advance to the match-play portion.
Since 2005, Tiger Woods was the only person to win four PGA Tour events in a single season, until McIlroy matched this feat in 2012.
In August 2006, Rory McIlroy won the European Amateur at Biella Golf Club, near Milan, Italy, which earned him an exemption to The Open Championship the following year.
On September 18, 2007, Rory McIlroy turned professional and signed with International Sports Management. He made his first professional start the following day at the Quinn Direct British Masters.
In 2007, Rory McIlroy competed for Ireland at the European Amateur Team Championship, with Ireland defeating France in the final to claim victory. McIlroy was the individual leader in the stroke-play portion.
In 2007, Rory McIlroy made his major championship debut at The Open Championship held at Carnoustie Golf Links, finishing as the low amateur and winning the silver medal. He also ended his amateur career at the 2007 Walker Cup.
In 2007, Rory McIlroy reached number one on the World Amateur Golf Ranking as a 17-year-old. Later in 2007, he turned professional, establishing himself on the European Tour.
On January 27, 2008, Rory McIlroy entered the top 200 of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) for the first time, marking a significant step in his career.
On September 7, 2008, Rory McIlroy lost in a play-off at the Omega European Masters in Crans-sur-Sierre, Switzerland, despite taking a four-stroke lead into the final round.
In 2008, JP Fitzgerald began his tenure as Rory McIlroy's caddie, starting a long-term partnership.
In 2008, Rory McIlroy had his first winless year, marking a significant point in his early career.
Rory McIlroy secured his European Tour card for 2008 after a strong finish at the Open de Madrid Valle Romano in September 2007, becoming the youngest affiliate member to earn a tour card.
In 2009, Rory McIlroy achieved his first win on the European Tour, marking an early milestone in his professional career.
In 2009, Rory McIlroy finished in a tie for 10th at the U.S. Open and tied for 3rd at the PGA Championship. He also finished the 2009 season ranked second on the Race to Dubai and entered the top 10 of the world rankings.
In 2009, Rory McIlroy purchased a house in Moneyreagh, south of Belfast, featuring a practice facility and football pitch on a 13-acre plot.
In 2009, after finding success as a professional golfer, Rory McIlroy bought his parents a house, expressing his gratitude for their sacrifices.
Rory McIlroy ended the year 2008 ranked 39th, which earned him an invitation to the 2009 Masters Tournament, marking his first appearance at the event.
After a successful 2009 season, Rory McIlroy announced that he would join the American-based PGA Tour for the 2010 season, expanding his professional career.
In 2010, Rory McIlroy secured his first PGA Tour win at the Quail Hollow Championship, shooting a course-record 62 in the final round. This win made him the first player since Tiger Woods to win a PGA Tour event prior to turning 21.
In 2010, Rory McIlroy tied the course record with a 9-under-par 63 on the opening day of The Open Championship, held at the Old Course at St Andrews. He finished the tournament tied for third.
In 2010, Rory McIlroy was selected to represent Europe at the Ryder Cup as an automatic qualifier. He tied his Sunday singles match against Stewart Cink, contributing to Europe regaining the cup with a score of 14.5–13.5. Following the Ryder Cup, in November 2010, McIlroy announced his return to playing full-time on the European Tour, while maintaining a limited schedule on the PGA Tour.
Following his 2011 U.S. Open win, Rory McIlroy hired security guards for his Moneyreagh property due to increased attention and strangers driving up his driveway.
In 2011, Rory McIlroy became an ambassador for UNICEF Ireland and visited Haiti with UNICEF in June.
In 2011, Rory McIlroy began dating Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, marking the start of a relationship.
In 2011, Rory McIlroy was named RTÉ Sports Person of the Year for his achievements in golf.
In 2011, Rory McIlroy won his first major championship at the U.S. Open, marking a significant milestone in his career.
In April 2011, at the Masters Tournament, McIlroy led the field after shooting a bogey-free 65 in the first round, making him the youngest player to hold the first-round lead at the Masters. After leading by four strokes after 54 holes, McIlroy shot an 8-over-par 80 in the final round, finishing in a tie for 15th, 10 strokes behind the winner.
In July 2011, at the Open Championship, McIlroy struggled and finished in tied-25th place. He also injured his wrist at the PGA Championship in the first round. In October 2011, McIlroy won the Lake Malaren Shanghai Masters, earning the $2 million first-place prize. In December 2011, he won the UBS Hong Kong Open by two strokes.
In September 2012, Rory McIlroy put his house in Moneyreagh up for sale for £2 million.
In 2012, McIlroy expressed regret over his 2010 decision to give up his PGA Tour card and skip the 2011 Players Championship, citing his manager Chubby Chandler's aversion to the PGA Tour as a reason for their professional split.
In 2012, Rory McIlroy played for Europe at the Ryder Cup, where Europe emerged victorious.
In 2012, Rory McIlroy won the PGA Championship, securing his second major championship victory.
In 2012, Tiger Woods reached $100 million in official PGA Tour earnings.
In April 2012, at the Masters Tournament, McIlroy finished in a tie for 40th. In May 2012, he went to a playoff at the Wells Fargo Championship, where Rickie Fowler won the tournament.
In January 2012, McIlroy finished second at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. In February 2012, he recorded a runner-up finish at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. The following week, McIlroy won the Honda Classic. With this victory, McIlroy reached the number one position in the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time in his career.
In September 2012, McIlroy picked up three points for the European team at the Ryder Cup. He arrived only 12 minutes before his Sunday singles match against Keegan Bradley and defeated Bradley. In November 2012, he won the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.
In December 2013, Rory McIlroy and Caroline Wozniacki became engaged, signaling a deeper commitment in their relationship.
In 2013, Rory McIlroy cancelled a trip to Haiti with UNICEF, leading to his management team donating $166,000 to UNICEF without his knowledge, which he later reversed.
In 2013, Rory McIlroy created The Rory Foundation, aimed at supporting children's charities.
In April 2013, McIlroy finished runner-up at the Valero Texas Open and tied for 25th place at the Masters Tournament. He tied for 41st place at the U.S. Open, missed the cut at the Open Championship, and tied for 8th place at the PGA Championship as defending champion.
In December 2013, McIlroy recorded his first win of the year at the Emirates Australian Open. He beat Adam Scott by one stroke.
In January 2015, McIlroy finished runner-up for the fourth time of his career at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. He missed the cut in his first start of the PGA Tour season at the Honda Classic. It was his first missed cut on the PGA Tour since the 2013 Open Championship, a streak of 22 consecutive events.
In May 2014, Rory McIlroy ended his engagement with Caroline Wozniacki, stating he wasn't ready for marriage.
Following his 2014 Open Championship win at Royal Liverpool, Rory McIlroy referenced his support for Manchester United F.C., prompting boos from the crowd.
In 2014, McIlroy won the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and the PGA Championship. With the PGA Championship win, he joined Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only three players to win four majors by age 25.
In 2014, Rory McIlroy was named RTÉ Sports Person of the Year for his golfing accomplishments.
In 2014, Rory McIlroy won both the PGA Championship and the Open Championship, adding two more major championships to his achievements.
In 2014, through The Rory Foundation, Rory McIlroy pledged £1 million to the Cancer Fund for Children in Newcastle, County Down.
In July 2014, McIlroy won the Open Championship by two strokes over Rickie Fowler and Sergio García to claim the first Open Championship and third major championship of his career.
In September 2014, at the Ryder Cup, McIlroy played in all five sessions, finishing with a record of 2–1–2. Europe won by a score of 16.5–11.5.
The 2014 PGA Championship was the last major where Rory McIlroy had an outright lead after 54 holes before the 2025 Masters Tournament.
In December 2015, Rory McIlroy became engaged to Erica Stoll while on holiday in Paris.
Before 2015, Rory McIlroy's results were not listed in chronological order.
In 2015, Rory McIlroy injured his ankle ligaments while playing football with friends, leading to his withdrawal from the 2015 Open Championship.
In April 2015, 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, shooting a course-record 61 at Quail Hollow Club.
In July 2015, McIlroy ruptured his left anterior talofibular ligament while playing soccer, leading to his withdrawal from the Open Championship and the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. He made his return at the PGA Championship, finishing in 17th place.
Prior to 2020, Rory McIlroy was last ranked world number one in the OWGR in 2015.
At the end of 2016, Nike announced their withdrawal from the golf equipment market. McIlroy signed a $100 million endorsement deal with TaylorMade after testing different clubs and balls.
During 2016, The Rory Foundation dispensed a total of £1.15 million to charities in Ireland and the United Kingdom, with £862,543 donated directly by Rory McIlroy.
In March 2016, McIlroy finished two shots behind Adam Scott at the WGC-Cadillac Championship. At the 2016 Masters Tournament, McIlroy finished tied-10th and said he was affected by the pressure of trying to complete the Grand Slam.
In May 2016, McIlroy won the Irish Open and donated the winner's cheque to charity. He withdrew from the 2016 Summer Olympics due to the threat of the Zika virus and stated he would not watch the tournament. Following the tournament, McIlroy admitted he had been surprised at the event's success and said he had been wrong to dismiss the tournament.
In September 2016, McIlroy won the Deutsche Bank Championship and the Tour Championship, earning his first FedEx Cup title along with a $10 million bonus. At the 2016 Ryder Cup in October, McIlroy played five matches and won three points. In the Sunday singles, he lost to Patrick Reed, as the United States defeated Europe 17–11.
Rory McIlroy's win at the 2016 Tour Championship marked his last victory until March 2018.
In April 2017, Rory McIlroy married Erica Stoll at Ashford Castle in Cong, County Mayo.
In 2017, Rory McIlroy had a winless season, the first since 2008, due to a rib injury sustained at the BMW SA Open in January. He played a limited schedule, achieving top-10 finishes at the Masters and Open Championship, but finished tied-63rd at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in October before taking a three-month break. His OWGR ranking dropped from 2nd to 11th by the end of 2017.
Late in the 2017 season, Rory McIlroy ended his long-standing partnership with caddie JP Fitzgerald, who had been with him since 2008. McIlroy hired Harry Diamond, a childhood friend and former Irish amateur international golfer, after considering other candidates like Jim "Bones" Mackay and Steve Williams.
In January 2018, Rory McIlroy returned to professional competition at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship after a 100-day absence. Prior to the tournament, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with a minor heart irregularity but downplayed its impact on his golf.
In March 2018, Rory McIlroy won the Arnold Palmer Invitational with a final-round score of 64. This victory was his first since the 2016 Tour Championship.
In September 2018, Rory McIlroy participated in the Ryder Cup, contributing a 2–3–0 record. This included a loss in the Sunday singles match against Justin Thomas, but Team Europe won against Team USA with a score of 17.5–10.5 to reclaim the Ryder Cup.
In December 2018, The Rory Foundation was shut down, with McIlroy adopting a private philanthropic policy.
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.
In 2018, Rory McIlroy participated in the Ryder Cup, where Europe won the event.
In June 2019, Rory McIlroy won the RBC Canadian Open with a final-round score of 61, winning the tournament by seven strokes. This victory made him the sixth golfer to achieve the career Triple Crown, which includes the Open Championship, the U.S. Open, and the Canadian Open.
In November 2019, Rory McIlroy won the WGC-HSBC Champions tournament in a playoff against Xander Schauffele in Shanghai, China. He also declined an invitation to the European Tour's Saudi International tournament in Riyadh, citing moral reasons related to Saudi Arabia's human rights record.
In 2019, Rory McIlroy had five straight top-6 finishes on the PGA Tour, then won the Players Championship in March with a score of −16. This win placed him alongside Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only players to have four majors and 15 PGA Tour titles before turning 30.
In May 2020, amidst the suspension of professional tournaments due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson won a charity skins game, which marked the return of golf to television after nine weeks. The event raised approximately £4 million for relief efforts.
In September 2020, Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll had a daughter, marking a new chapter in their lives.
During 2020, Rory McIlroy tied for 8th place at the delayed U.S. Open held in September, and he also recorded a top-5 finish at the delayed Masters Tournament, which was held in November.
In 2016, after withdrawing from the 2016 Olympics, McIlroy outlined his intention to compete at the 2020 Olympic Games.
In 2020, results were not in chronological order.
In May 2021, Rory McIlroy won the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club by one stroke, marking his third win at Quail Hollow and his 19th PGA Tour victory.
In August 2021, Rory McIlroy represented Ireland at the Olympic Games, tying for third after 72 holes and losing in a seven-man playoff for the bronze medal.
In October 2021, Rory McIlroy won the CJ Cup with weekend rounds of 62-66, finishing one stroke ahead of Collin Morikawa. This victory marked his 20th PGA Tour win, granting him life membership.
From 2022, the Championship and Invitational were discontinued.
In 2022, Rory McIlroy became the first person to win the FedEx Cup three times, adding to his career accomplishments.
In 2022, Rory McIlroy defended his title at the RBC Canadian Open, winning by two shots. He also finished tied for 5th at the U.S. Open and tied for the lead after 54 holes at the Open Championship, ultimately finishing third.
In 2022, Rory McIlroy shot a final round of 64 to finish as runner-up at the Masters Tournament and had top-10 finishes in all four major championships for the first time in his career.
From 2023, the Champions tournament was discontinued.
In 2023, Rory McIlroy declared himself a fan of the Buffalo Bills, as his wife Erica is from Irondequoit, New York, showing support for the team.
In 2023, Rory McIlroy featured in the sports documentary series "Full Swing", which premiered on Netflix.
In 2023, Rory McIlroy finished solo-second at the U.S. Open, one shot behind Wyndham Clark. The following month, he won the Genesis Scottish Open, finishing one stroke ahead of Robert MacIntyre.
In 2023, Rory McIlroy played on the European team in the Ryder Cup, which Europe won. McIlroy was the top points scorer with a 4–1–0 record. In November, he secured his fifth Race to Dubai title, moving him to third for most season-long titles on the European Tour.
In 2023, Rory McIlroy represented Europe at the Ryder Cup, with Europe securing the win.
In 2023, Rory McIlroy started the year by winning the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, beating Patrick Reed by one shot. He missed the cut at the 2023 Masters Tournament in April.
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.
In May 2024, Rory McIlroy filed for divorce from Erica Stoll in Palm Beach County, Florida.
By June 11, 2024, Rory McIlroy withdrew the divorce filing, stating he and Erica Stoll had resolved their differences and look forward to a new beginning.
During the 2024 U.S. Open, Rory McIlroy led but bogeyed three of the final four holes to finish one stroke behind Bryson DeChambeau. At the 2024 Open Championship, McIlroy missed the cut, extending his major championship drought to ten years.
In 2024, Rory McIlroy took delivery of a Gulfstream G650ER private jet, adding to his luxury assets.
In 2024, Rory McIlroy won his first title of the season at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a team event with Shane Lowry. He subsequently won the Wells Fargo Championship for the fourth time, closing with a 6-under 65.
Following his Masters win in 2025, Rory McIlroy tied for 47th at the PGA Championship, missed the cut at the RBC Canadian Open, and tied for 19th at the U.S. Open. He expressed a loss of motivation after achieving his career grand slam.
In 2025, Rory McIlroy finished runner-up at the Genesis Scottish Open and won the Amgen Irish Open after a playoff. He represented Europe at the Ryder Cup, contributing to their victory, and secured his seventh Race to Dubai title, surpassing Seve Ballesteros's tally.
In 2025, Rory McIlroy made a cameo appearance in the film "Happy Gilmore 2", a sequel to the 1996 film.
In 2025, Rory McIlroy moved into a home in the Wentworth Estate in Surrey.
In 2025, Rory McIlroy wins the Players Championship and also the Masters Tournament to complete his career grand slam.
In 2025, Rory McIlroy won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Players Championship. By finishing tied-fifth at the Texas Children's Houston Open, he reached $100 million in career earnings on the PGA Tour, becoming the second player after Tiger Woods in 2012 to reach this milestone.
In 2025, Rory McIlroy won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award and played for Europe at the Ryder Cup, where Europe was victorious.
In 2025, Rory McIlroy won the Masters Tournament after a playoff, completing the career grand slam. He became the sixth player in the modern era to win each of the four major championships.
The money prize figures are rounded up to the nearest Euro through the 2025 DP World Tour season.
In 2026, Rory McIlroy achieved a second consecutive Masters Tournament win, adding another major to his record.
In 2026, Rory McIlroy finished runner-up at the Genesis Invitational. As defending champion at the Players Championship, he tied for 46th, struggling with a back injury that had forced him to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational a week earlier.
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