Career Timeline of Rory McIlroy: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Rory McIlroy, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Rory McIlroy, a Northern Irish professional golfer, is a former world number one, having held the top spot for over 100 weeks. A five-time major champion, his victories include the 2011 U.S. Open, the 2012 and 2014 PGA Championship, and the 2014 Open Championship. Notably, he has also won the 2025 Masters Tournament. McIlroy is one of only six male golfers to achieve a modern career Grand Slam, and the only European to achieve this feat.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

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: Ulster Boys' U18 Championship Win

In 2003, Rory McIlroy won the Ulster Boys' U18 Championship, further establishing his talent as a young golfer.

2004: Irish Team Member and Junior Ryder Cup Winner

In 2004, Rory McIlroy was a member of the Irish team at the European Boys' Team Championship and part of the European team that won the Junior Ryder Cup against the United States in Ohio.

May 2005: European Tour Debut

In May 2005, Rory McIlroy made his European Tour debut at the Daily Telegraph Dunlop Masters, marking the beginning of his professional golf journey.

2005: Wins 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, marking significant achievements in his amateur career.

2005: Leaves School to Concentrate on Golf

In 2005, Rory McIlroy decided to leave school in order to concentrate on golf, demonstrating his commitment to pursuing a professional golf career.

August 2006: European Amateur Win

In August 2006, Rory McIlroy won the European Amateur at Biella Golf Club near Milan, Italy, earning him an exemption to The Open Championship the following year.

February 2007: First Cut in a Professional Tournament

In February 2007, Rory McIlroy made his first cut in a professional tournament at the European Tour's Dubai Desert Classic, but had to forego the prize money due to his amateur status.

September 2007: Turns Professional

On September 18, 2007, Rory McIlroy officially turned professional, signing with International Sports Management, and the next day he started at the Quinn Direct British Masters.

2007: Became Jumeirah ambassador

In 2007, Rory McIlroy became an ambassador for the hotel chain Jumeirah.

2007: Competes in European Amateur Team Championship

In 2007, Rory McIlroy competed for Ireland at the European Amateur Team Championship, with future Open champion Shane Lowry as a teammate, and Ireland won the championship.

2007: Major Championship Debut and Walker Cup

In 2007, Rory McIlroy made his major championship debut at The Open Championship and also participated in the Walker Cup, marking significant milestones in his amateur career.

2007: Reaches Number One on World Amateur Golf Ranking, Turns Professional

In 2007, Rory McIlroy reached number one on the World Amateur Golf Ranking as a 17-year-old and later turned professional, beginning his professional golf career.

2007: Signed with International Sports Management (ISM)

In 2007, upon turning professional, Rory McIlroy signed with International Sports Management (ISM), an agency founded by Chubby Chandler.

January 2008: Enters Top 200 of OWGR

On January 27, 2008, Rory McIlroy entered the top 200 of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) for the first time, marking his progress in the professional golf world.

September 2008: Omega European Masters Playoff Loss

On September 7, 2008, Rory McIlroy finished in a tie for first place at the Omega European Masters but lost in a playoff to Jean-François Lucquin.

November 2008: Moves into Top 50 of OWGR

In November 2008, after finishing second in the UBS Hong Kong Open, Rory McIlroy moved into the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), further solidifying his position among the elite golfers.

2008: Began working with putting coach Paul Hurrion

In 2008, Rory McIlroy began working with specialist putting coach Paul Hurrion due to struggling with his putting at the start of his career. Hurrion noted that McIlroy relied heavily on hand-eye coordination when putting.

2008: Earns European Tour Card

In 2008, Rory McIlroy secured his European Tour card after a strong performance at the Open de Madrid Valle Romano, becoming the youngest affiliate member in the history of the European Tour to earn a tour card.

February 2009: First Professional Win at Dubai Desert Classic

On February 1, 2009, Rory McIlroy secured his first professional win at age 19 at the Dubai Desert Classic, elevating him to 16th in the OWGR.

2009: First European Tour Win

In 2009, Rory McIlroy achieved his first win on the European Tour, marking a significant step in his professional career.

2009: Continued Success on European and PGA Tours

In 2009, Rory McIlroy achieved several high finishes, including fifth at the BMW PGA Championship, 12th at the European Open, and a tie for 10th at the U.S. Open, and tied for 3rd at the PGA Championship. He also finished the season ranked second on the Race to Dubai and entered the top 10 of the world rankings.

2009: Invited to Masters Tournament

In 2009, Rory McIlroy's high ranking earned him an invitation to the Masters Tournament, marking his debut in this prestigious major championship.

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 improve his putting game.

2010: Joins PGA Tour

In 2010, Rory McIlroy joined the American-based PGA Tour, expanding his professional career to the United States.

2010: Ties Course Record at Open Championship, Finishes Third at PGA Championship

In 2010, Rory McIlroy tied the course record at the Open Championship with a 9-under-par 63 and finished in third place at the PGA Championship, marking strong performances in major tournaments.

2010: Ryder Cup Selection and Full-Time Return to European Tour

In 2010, Rory McIlroy was selected to represent Europe at the Ryder Cup, contributing to their victory, and announced his return to play full-time on the European Tour while still playing a limited schedule on the PGA Tour.

2010: First PGA Tour Win at Quail Hollow Championship

In 2010, Rory McIlroy won his first PGA Tour event at the Quail Hollow Championship after shooting a course-record 62 in the final round, making him the first player since Tiger Woods to win a PGA Tour event before turning 21.

2011: Became ambassador for UNICEF Ireland

In 2011, Rory McIlroy became an ambassador for UNICEF Ireland and visited Haiti with the organization in June.

2011: Left International Sports Management (ISM)

In 2011, Rory McIlroy left International Sports Management (ISM), feeling he was being "led down the wrong path" by Chubby Chandler, and signed with Horizon Sports Management.

2011: Signed sponsorship agreement with Santander Bank

In 2011, Rory McIlroy signed a multi-million dollar sponsorship agreement with Santander Bank.

2011: Skipped Players Championship

In 2011, Rory McIlroy skipped the Players Championship, which he later regretted.

2011: U.S. Open Win

In 2011, Rory McIlroy won the U.S. Open, marking a significant achievement in his career.

2011: Youngest to reach €10 million in career earnings on European Tour

In 2011, at age 22, Rory McIlroy became the youngest player ever to reach €10 million in career earnings on the European Tour, showcasing his early financial success.

2012: Youngest to Reach $10 Million on PGA Tour

In 2012, Rory McIlroy became the youngest player to reach $10 million in career earnings on the PGA Tour, marking another financial milestone in his career.

2012: Worked with Dave Stockton and won PGA Championship

In 2012, Rory McIlroy credited former PGA Tour player Dave Stockton for improvements in his putting after winning the PGA Championship, having received putting instruction from him.

2012: Regrets Decision to Give Up PGA Tour Card

In 2012, Rory McIlroy expressed regret over his 2010 decision to give up his PGA Tour card and skip the 2011 Players Championship, citing his manager's aversion to the PGA Tour as a reason for their later professional split.

2012: Ryder Cup Win

In 2012, Rory McIlroy played for Europe at the Ryder Cup, contributing to Europe's victory.

2012: PGA Championship Win

In 2012, Rory McIlroy secured victory at the PGA Championship, further solidifying his position in the world of golf.

2012: Ended Jumeirah Ambassadorship

In 2012, Rory McIlroy's ambassadorship with the hotel chain Jumeirah ended.

2013: Created The Rory Foundation

In 2013, Rory McIlroy created The Rory Foundation to support children's charities.

2013: Signed endorsement deal with Nike, Bose and Omega

In 2013, Rory McIlroy signed a 10-year endorsement deal with Nike worth up to $250 million and also signed endorsement deals with Bose and Omega.

2013: Created Rory McIlroy Management Services Ltd

In 2013, after splitting from Horizon Sports Management, Rory McIlroy created a new management company, Rory McIlroy Management Services Ltd, to manage royalty payments from his endorsements.

2014: Ryder Cup Win, RTÉ Sports Person of the Year

In 2014, Rory McIlroy represented Europe in the Ryder Cup victory and was named RTÉ Sports Person of the Year for the second time, recognizing his achievements.

2014: PGA Championship and Open Championship Wins

In 2014, Rory McIlroy won both the PGA Championship and The Open Championship, showcasing a dominant year in his career.

2014: Pledged £1 million 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: Declared to represent Ireland at the Olympics

On the eve of the 2014 Irish Open, Rory McIlroy declared that he would represent Ireland at the Olympics.

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: Return to World Number One

In 2015, Rory McIlroy returned to world number one in the OWGR for the first time since 2015.

2016: Donations to charities

During 2016, The Rory Foundation dispensed £1.15 million to charities in Ireland and the United Kingdom, with £862,543 donated directly by McIlroy.

2016: Tour Championship Win

In 2016, Rory McIlroy won the Tour Championship.

2017: Signed contract extension with Nike and equipment deal with TaylorMade

In 2017, Rory McIlroy signed a 10-year, $200-million contract extension with Nike for apparel and a 10-year, $100-million equipment deal with TaylorMade.

January 2018: Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship Return and Heart Irregularity Diagnosis

In January 2018, Rory McIlroy returned to professional competition at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship after over 100 days away. Prior to the tournament, he disclosed that he had been diagnosed with a slight heart irregularity.

March 2018: Arnold Palmer Invitational Win

In March 2018, Rory McIlroy won the Arnold Palmer Invitational with a final-round score of 64. This marked his first victory since the 2016 Tour Championship.

September 2018: 2018 Ryder Cup Participation

In September 2018, Rory McIlroy competed in the 2018 Ryder Cup, contributing a 2–3–0 record. This included a loss in the Sunday singles to Justin Thomas. Team Europe defeated Team USA 17.5–10.5 to reclaim the Ryder Cup.

December 2018: The Rory Foundation shut down

In December 2018, The Rory Foundation shut down, with McIlroy adopting a private philanthropic policy.

2018: Began working with Brad Faxon

In 2018, Rory McIlroy began working with former PGA Tour player Brad Faxon, known as one of the best putters on tour, as his putting coach.

2018: Ryder Cup Win

In 2018, Rory McIlroy participated in the Ryder Cup, where Europe emerged victorious.

June 2019: RBC Canadian Open Win and Career Triple Crown

In June 2019, Rory McIlroy won the RBC Canadian Open with a final-round score of 61, winning the tournament by seven strokes. He became the sixth golfer to win the career Triple Crown, consisting of the Open Championship, the U.S. Open, and the Canadian Open.

November 2019: WGC-HSBC Champions Win

In November 2019, Rory McIlroy won the 2019 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, alongside Sean O'Flaherty, focusing on healthcare, sports and technology sectors. He also started wearing a Whoop band.

2019: PGA Tour Success and Players Championship Win

In 2019, Rory McIlroy had a strong start to the PGA Tour season with five consecutive top-6 finishes, including a runner-up finish at the WGC-Mexico Championship in February. He later won the 2019 Players Championship in March. With this win, he joined Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only players to win four majors and 15 PGA Tour titles before turning 30.

2019: Wins The Players Championship

In 2019, Rory McIlroy won The Players Championship, a significant achievement in his professional golf career.

May 2020: Charity Skins Game Win with Dustin Johnson

In May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic suspension of professional tournaments, Rory McIlroy, alongside Dustin Johnson, won a charity skins game played under the nearest-the-pin shot rule. This event marked golf's return to television after nine weeks and raised around £4 million for relief efforts.

2020: 2020 U.S. Open and Masters Tournament Finishes

In 2020, Rory McIlroy finished in a tie for 8th place at the delayed U.S. Open held in September. He also recorded a top-5 finish at the 2020 Masters Tournament, which was delayed until November.

2020: Invested in Whoop

In 2020, Rory McIlroy invested in a $100-million Series E financing round for Whoop.

January 2021: Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship Finish

In January 2021, Rory McIlroy held the 54-hole lead at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship but finished in third place, five shots behind Tyrrell Hatton, after a final round of 72.

May 2021: Wells Fargo Championship Win

In May 2021, Rory McIlroy won the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club by one stroke, securing his third win at Quail Hollow and his 19th PGA Tour victory.

August 2021: Olympic Games Representation and Playoff Loss

In August 2021, Rory McIlroy represented Ireland at the Olympic Games. He tied for third after 72 holes but lost in a seven-man playoff for the bronze medal.

October 2021: CJ Cup Victory and Life Membership

In October 2021, Rory McIlroy won the CJ Cup, finishing one stroke ahead of Collin Morikawa with weekend rounds of 62 and 66. This victory marked his 20th PGA Tour win, earning him life membership.

2022: Wins Third FedEx Cup

In 2022, Rory McIlroy became the first person to win the FedEx Cup three times, surpassing Tiger Woods' record of two.

2022: Founded TMRW Sports

In 2022, Rory McIlroy founded TMRW Sports alongside Tiger Woods and Mike McCarley, with its first project being TGL, an indoor golf league.

2022: Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic and Masters Tournament Runner-Up

In January 2022, Rory McIlroy contended for the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic but missed out on a playoff after hitting his second shot into the water on the final hole. In April at the 2022 Masters Tournament, McIlroy shot a final-round 64 to finish as runner-up, marking his best finish at the Masters.

2022: RBC Canadian Open Title Defense and Top-10 Finishes in All Majors

In June 2022, Rory McIlroy defended his title at the RBC Canadian Open, winning by two shots. He finished tied-5th at the 2022 U.S. Open the following week. In July, at the 2022 Open Championship, McIlroy finished third, two strokes behind Cameron Smith. This marked the first time in his career that he finished top-10 in all four majors.

2023: Joined investment group of Alpine racing team

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, with Europe winning the competition.

2023: Paid €1 million 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: Hero Dubai Desert Classic Win, Masters Missed Cut, and PGA Championship Finish

In January 2023, Rory McIlroy started the year by winning the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. He missed the cut at the 2023 Masters Tournament in April and finished tied-7th at the 2023 PGA Championship in May.

2023: U.S. Open Finish and Genesis Scottish Open Win

In June 2023, Rory McIlroy finished solo-second at the U.S. Open, one shot behind Wyndham Clark. In July, McIlroy won the Genesis Scottish Open, finishing one stroke ahead of Robert MacIntyre.

2023: Ryder Cup and Race to Dubai Title

In September 2023, Rory McIlroy played on the European team in the Ryder Cup, winning 16.5–11.5. In November, McIlroy won his fifth Race to Dubai title.

2024: U.S. Open and Open Championship Performances

During the 2024 U.S. Open, Rory McIlroy finished one stroke behind Bryson DeChambeau after bogeyeing three of the final four holes. At the 2024 Open Championship, McIlroy missed the cut, extending his major championship drought.

2024: Invested in TickPick and TMRW Sports valued

In 2024, Rory McIlroy joined the investment group for the ticket marketplace TickPick. In the same year, TMRW Sports, which McIlroy founded in 2022 alongside Tiger Woods and Mike McCarley, was valued at $500 million.

2024: Zurich Classic of New Orleans and Wells Fargo Championship Wins

In April 2024, Rory McIlroy won his first title of the season at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a team event with Shane Lowry. He followed this by winning the Wells Fargo Championship for the fourth time.

2025: Players Championship Victory

At the 2025 Players Championship, Rory McIlroy tied for first and won a three-hole aggregate playoff to claim his second Players Championship title.

2025: Wins The Players Championship

In 2025, Rory McIlroy won The Players Championship, adding another victory to his professional golf career.

2025: Masters Tournament

In 2025, Rory McIlroy won the Masters Tournament, becoming one of six male golfers to achieve a modern career Grand Slam.

2025: Masters Win and Career Grand Slam

In April 2025, at the Masters Tournament, Rory McIlroy secured his first Masters win and completed the career grand slam after playoff. McIlroy held a two-stroke lead after 54 holes and birdied the first playoff hole to win his first Masters and complete the career grand slam. He became the sixth player to achieve this feat in the modern era.

2025: AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Win

In his first PGA Tour event of 2025, Rory McIlroy won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, finishing with a score of −21, beating Shane Lowry by two strokes.