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 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.

Sections (6)

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

1998: Ambition to Win All Four Majors

In 1998, Rory McIlroy, in an interview with BBC Sport, expressed his ambition to win all four major championship titles.

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.

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: 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.

February 2007: First Cut in Professional Tournament

In February 2007, Rory McIlroy made his first cut in a professional tournament as a 17-year-old at the European Tour's Dubai Desert Classic, foregoing prize money due to his amateur status.

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.

November 2008: Moved into Top 50 of OWGR

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

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: First Winless Year

In 2017, Rory McIlroy had his first winless year since 2008.

February 2009: First Professional Win at Dubai Desert Classic

On 1 February 2009, Rory McIlroy achieved his first professional win at the Dubai Desert Classic, which took him to 16th in the OWGR.

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: 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: Tiger Woods wins his second FedEx Cup

In 2009, Tiger Woods won his second FedEx Cup.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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.

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: Won PGA Championship

In 2012, Rory McIlroy won the PGA Championship, adding to his list of major championship victories.

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.

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: Creation of The Rory Foundation

In 2013, Rory McIlroy created The Rory Foundation, with the goal of supporting children's charities.

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: First Missed Cut on PGA Tour

In January 2015, Rory McIlroy finished runner-up at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. He won the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. In March 2015, he missed the cut at the Honda Classic, his first missed cut on the PGA Tour since the 2013 Open Championship.

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.

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: 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: 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.

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: McIlroy Ranked Number One

In 2015, Rory McIlroy was the number one golfer in the OWGR before winning in May 2020.

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: 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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

January 2021: McIlroy finishes third at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

In January 2021, Rory McIlroy finished third at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship after holding the 54-hole lead.

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: 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.

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: 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 starts the year strong

In January 2023, Rory McIlroy started the year by winning the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

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.

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: 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: McIlroy wins AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and Players Championship

In 2025, Rory McIlroy won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Players Championship, becoming the second man to reach $100 million in official PGA Tour earnings.

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.