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 highly accomplished Northern Irish professional golfer. He has achieved the world number one ranking and held it for over 100 weeks. McIlroy is a five-time major champion and one of only six golfers, and the first European, to complete a modern career Grand Slam. He competes on both the European and PGA Tours, solidifying his position as one of the sport's elite players.

Sections (6)

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

1904: Golf at the Summer Olympics

Golf was named an Olympic sport for the first time since 1904 at the 2016 Summer Olympics

1998: Tiger Woods PGA Tour

From 1998 to 2013, Tiger Woods was the namesake for the EA Sports' video game series.

2002: Ulster Boys' U15 Championship Win

In 2002, Rory McIlroy won the Ulster Boys' U15 Championship.

2003: Ulster Boys' U18 Championship Win

In 2003, Rory McIlroy won the Ulster Boys' U18 Championship.

2004: Irish Team Member

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

2004: Signed Letter of Intent

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.

2005: Wins West of Ireland and Irish Close Championships

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 concentrate on golf

In 2005, Rory McIlroy decided to leave school in order to concentrate on golf.

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. He rose to number one in the World Amateur Golf Ranking following this performance.

September 2007: Turned professional

In September 2007, Rory McIlroy turned professional and signed with International Sports Management. He made his first professional start at the Quinn Direct British Masters.

2007: Ambassador for Jumeirah

From 2007 Rory McIlroy was an ambassador for the hotel chain Jumeirah.

2007: European Amateur Team Championship Win

In 2007, Rory McIlroy competed for Ireland at the European Amateur Team Championship, where Ireland defeated France in the final to claim victory.

2007: Major debut, ended amateur career

In 2007, Rory McIlroy made his major championship debut at The Open Championship and finished as the low amateur, winning the silver medal. He ended his amateur career at the Walker Cup.

2007: Turned professional

In 2007, Rory McIlroy turned professional after reaching number one on the World Amateur Golf Ranking at age 17. He soon established himself on the European Tour.

2007: Signing with International Sports Management (ISM)

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

2008: Working with Paul Hurrion

In 2008, Rory McIlroy began working with specialist coach Paul Hurrion to improve his putting, as he was overly reliant on hand-eye coordination.

2008: Secured European Tour Card

Rory McIlroy secured his European Tour card for 2008 the week after finishing third at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, by finishing in a tie for 4th place at the Open de Madrid Valle Romano. He became the youngest affiliate member in the history of the European Tour to earn a tour card.

February 2009: First Professional Win

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

2009: Invited to Masters Tournament

At the end of calendar year 2008, Rory McIlroy ranked 39th in the OWGR, earning him an invitation to the 2009 Masters Tournament.

2009: Continued Strong Performances and World Cup Representation

In 2009, Rory McIlroy finished fifth at the BMW PGA Championship and 12th at the European Open in May. He finished in a tie for 10th at the U.S. Open and T-47 at The Open Championship. He tied for 3rd on debut at the PGA Championship. McIlroy finished the season ranked second on the Race to Dubai and entered the top 10 of the world rankings for the first time. McIlroy ended 2009 by representing Ireland at the World Cup.

2009: First European Tour Win

In 2009, Rory McIlroy secured his first win on the European Tour.

2009: Bought parents a house

In 2009, after finding success as a professional golfer, Rory McIlroy bought his parents a house so they would never 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 game.

2010: PGA Tour Move

In 2009, Rory McIlroy announced that he would join the American-based PGA Tour for the 2010 season.

2010: Working with Stephen McGregor

In 2010, Rory McIlroy began working with exercise physiologist Stephen McGregor to address imbalances in his body and prevent potential back stress fractures. McGregor identified issues with McIlroy's stability and reliance on arm speed in his golf swing.

2010: Ryder Cup and European Tour Return

In 2010, Rory McIlroy represented Europe at the Ryder Cup, tying his Sunday singles match and helping Europe regain the cup. Following the Ryder Cup, he announced he would return to play full-time on the European Tour.

2010: First PGA Tour win and Course Record

In 2010, Rory McIlroy started the year by finishing third at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship in January. On May 2, McIlroy shot a course-record 62 in the final round of the Quail Hollow Championship to beat Phil Mickelson by four strokes and record his first PGA Tour win.

2010: Open Championship and PGA Championship Performances

In 2010, Rory McIlroy tied the course record at the Open Championship with a 9-under-par 63 on the opening day, finishing the tournament tied for third. He also finished in third place at the PGA Championship.

2011: Skipped Players Championship

In 2010, Rory McIlroy decided to give up his PGA Tour card and skip the 2011 Players Championship. In 2012, McIlroy stated that he regretted this decision.

2011: Ambassador for UNICEF Ireland

In 2011, Rory McIlroy became an ambassador for UNICEF Ireland, marking a significant step in his involvement with charitable causes.

2011: Leaving ISM and joining Horizon Sports Management

In 2011, Rory McIlroy left ISM, feeling misled by Chubby Chandler, and joined Horizon Sports Management.

2011: Sponsorship with Santander Bank

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

2011: U.S. Open win

In 2011, Rory McIlroy won his first major championship at the U.S. Open.

2012: Improvement in Putting

After winning the 2012 PGA Championship, Rory McIlroy credited Dave Stockton for improvements in his putting after receiving putting instruction from the former PGA Tour player.

2012: End of Jumeirah Ambassadorship

In 2012 Rory McIlroy's ambassadorship for the hotel chain Jumeirah came to an end.

2012: Ryder Cup Win

In 2012, Rory McIlroy played for Europe at the Ryder Cup, with Europe winning.

2012: PGA Championship win

In 2012, Rory McIlroy won the PGA Championship.

March 2013: Contract extension with Horizon Sports Management

In March 2013, Rory McIlroy agreed a contract extension with Horizon Sports Management, set to run until 2017.

2013: Creation of The Rory Foundation

In 2013, McIlroy established The Rory Foundation with the aim of supporting children's charities, signifying his commitment to philanthropy.

2013: Creation of Rory McIlroy Management Services Ltd.

In 2013, Rory McIlroy created a new management company, Rory McIlroy Management Services Ltd., to manage his endorsement royalty payments.

2013: 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 endorsement deals with Bose and Omega.

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

In 2014, Rory McIlroy was named RTÉ Sports Person of the Year and played for Europe at the Ryder Cup, with Europe winning.

2014: Open Championship and PGA Championship wins

In 2014, Rory McIlroy won both the Open Championship and the PGA Championship.

2014: Pledge to the Cancer Fund for Children

In 2014, through The Rory Foundation, McIlroy pledged £1 million to the Cancer Fund for Children located in Newcastle, County Down, demonstrating his dedication to aiding children's health initiatives.

2014: Decision 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: Rory McIlroy PGA Tour video game

In 2015, Rory McIlroy became the namesake for the EA Sports' video game Rory McIlroy PGA Tour.

2016: Charitable Contributions via Foundation

During 2016, The Rory Foundation distributed a total of £1.15 million to various charities in both Ireland and the United Kingdom, with £862,543 donated directly by McIlroy himself, highlighting his substantial philanthropic efforts.

2016: Last win at the Tour Championship

In 2016, McIlroy won the Tour Championship, which was his last win until March 2018 when he won the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

2016: Golf at the Summer Olympics

In 2016, golf was named an Olympic sport for the first time since 1904 at the Summer Olympics. Rory McIlroy was regularly questioned whether he would represent Great Britain or Ireland.

2017: Degenerative disc and swing adjustments

In 2017, Rory McIlroy revealed he had a degenerative disc in his lumbar vertebrae due to years of golfing. He also credited Stephen McGregor for helping him take better care of his body and extend his career by rebuilding his swing.

2017: Nike apparel contract and TaylorMade equipment deal

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

2017: Horizon Sports Management Contract End

Rory McIlroy's contract with Horizon Sports Management was set to run until 2017.

January 2018: Return to Competition 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 a diagnosis of a slight heart irregularity, though he minimized its impact on his golf.

March 2018: Victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational

In March 2018, Rory McIlroy secured a significant win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He shot a final-round 64, marking his first victory since the 2016 Tour Championship.

September 2018: Ryder Cup Competition

In September 2018, Rory McIlroy participated in the 2018 Ryder Cup, where he had a 2–3–0 record. This included a loss in the Sunday singles to Justin Thomas. Ultimately, Team Europe triumphed over Team USA with a score of 17.5–10.5, reclaiming the Ryder Cup.

2018: Ryder Cup Win

In 2018, Rory McIlroy played for Europe at the Ryder Cup, with Europe winning.

2018: Brad Faxon as Putting Coach

Since 2018, former PGA Tour player Brad Faxon has been Rory McIlroy's putting coach. Faxon was known as one of the best putters on tour during his career.

June 2019: RBC Canadian Open Victory

In June 2019, Rory McIlroy won the RBC Canadian Open with a final-round 61, winning the tournament by seven strokes. He became the sixth golfer to win the career Triple Crown (the PGA Tour's three oldest events).

November 2019: WGC-HSBC Champions Victory and Saudi International Rejection

In November 2019, Rory McIlroy won the 2019 WGC-HSBC Champions tournament in a playoff against Xander Schauffele. McIlroy also declined an invitation to the European Tour's Saudi International tournament, citing moral concerns regarding Saudi Arabia's human rights record.

2019: PGA Tour Success and Players Championship Win

In 2019, Rory McIlroy achieved five consecutive top-6 finishes on the PGA Tour, including a runner-up finish at the WGC-Mexico Championship in February. McIlroy also secured a victory at the 2019 Players Championship in March. By winning, he joined Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only players to win four majors and 15 PGA Tour titles before turning 30.

2019: Founding Symphony Ventures

In 2019, Rory McIlroy founded Symphony Ventures, a venture capital firm, with Sean O'Flaherty, focusing on healthcare, sports, and technology sectors.

2019: Won The Players Championship

In 2019, Rory McIlroy won The Players Championship.

May 2020: Charity Skins Game Win

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 raised around £4 million for relief efforts.

2020: Investment in Whoop

In 2020, Rory McIlroy was among the investors in a $100-million Series E financing round for Whoop, a wearable technology company, after beginning to wear a Whoop band in 2019.

January 2021: Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship Finish

In January 2021, Rory McIlroy held the 54-hole lead at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, finishing in third place after a final round 72.

May 2021: Wells Fargo Championship Victory

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.

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, securing his 20th PGA Tour victory and earning him life membership.

2022: Won FedEx Cup three times

In 2022, Rory McIlroy became the first person to win the FedEx Cup three times.

2022: Founding TMRW Sports

In 2022, Rory McIlroy founded TMRW Sports with Tiger Woods and Mike McCarley, launching TGL, an indoor golf league broadcasting on ESPN.

2023: Alpine Racing Team Investment

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.

2023: Donation towards Cancer Fund for Children lodge

In 2023, it was announced that McIlroy contributed €1 million towards the construction of a Cancer Fund for Children lodge in Cong, County Mayo, furthering his support for children's health initiatives.

2024: TickPick Investment and TMRW Sports Valuation

In 2024, Rory McIlroy joined the investment group for the ticket marketplace TickPick, and TMRW Sports, co-founded by McIlroy in 2022, was valued at $500 million.