Challenges in the Life of Rory McIlroy in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Rory McIlroy faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Rory McIlroy is a Northern Irish professional golfer renowned for his achievements on both the European and PGA Tours. A former world number one for over 100 weeks, he has secured five major championships. Notably, he is one of only six golfers to achieve the modern career Grand Slam, and the first European to reach this milestone.

Sections (6)

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

November 1972: McIlroy's Granduncle Murdered During The Troubles

In November 1972, during The Troubles, Rory McIlroy's granduncle Joe McIlroy was murdered by the Ulster Volunteer Force in a sectarian attack after moving his Catholic family into a predominantly-Protestant area of Orangefield, Belfast.

September 2008: Omega European Masters Play-off Loss

On September 7, 2008, Rory McIlroy lost in a play-off at the Omega European Masters in Crans-sur-Sierre, Switzerland, after leading the final round.

2010: Chandler Advised McIlroy to Give Up PGA Tour Card

In 2010, Chubby Chandler advised Rory McIlroy to give up his PGA Tour card and prioritize the European Tour, which McIlroy later disagreed with.

2011: Skipping the Players Championship

In 2011, Rory McIlroy did not play at The Players Championship.

2011: McIlroy Leaves ISM

In 2011, Rory McIlroy left ISM, stating he felt he was being "led down the wrong path" by Chubby Chandler.

2011: Runner-up at Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, 1st round lead at the Masters, and final round struggles at the Masters

In January 2011, Rory McIlroy finished runner-up at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. In April 2011, he led the Masters Tournament after the first round, becoming the youngest player to do so. However, he struggled in the final round, shooting an 8-over-par 80 and finishing in a tie for 15th.

2011: Tied-25th at Open Championship, wrist injury at PGA Championship, wins Shanghai Masters and Hong Kong Open

In July 2011, Rory McIlroy finished tied-25th at the Open Championship due to tough weather conditions. He also injured his wrist at the PGA Championship. In October 2011, he won the Lake Malaren Shanghai Masters, and in December 2011, he won the UBS Hong Kong Open.

2012: Masters Tournament struggles and Wells Fargo Championship playoff loss

In April 2012, Rory McIlroy struggled at the Masters Tournament, finishing in a tie for 40th. In May 2012, he lost in a playoff at the Wells Fargo Championship to Rickie Fowler.

2013: Missed cut at 2013 Open Championship

In 2013, Rory McIlroy missed the cut at the Open Championship, ending a streak of 22 consecutive events on the PGA Tour where he made the cut.

2013: Equipment change struggles and mixed results in majors

In 2013, Rory McIlroy struggled with an equipment change, missing cuts and withdrawing from tournaments. He had mixed results in the major championships, with a best finish of tied for 8th at the PGA Championship.

May 2014: McIlroy Ends Engagement with Wozniacki

In May 2014, Rory McIlroy ended his engagement with Caroline Wozniacki, stating that he wasn't ready for marriage.

2014: Honda Classic Playoff Loss and BMW PGA Championship Win

In March 2014, Rory McIlroy lost in a playoff at the Honda Classic. In May 2014, he won the BMW PGA Championship, his first win in 18 months.

2015: McIlroy Settles Legal Battle with Horizon

In 2015, Rory McIlroy and Horizon Sports Management ended their bitter legal battle with an out-of-court settlement, reportedly with McIlroy paying the firm in excess of $25 million plus costs.

2015: McIlroy Injures Ankle Playing Football, Withdraws from Open Championship

In 2015, Rory McIlroy injured his ankle ligaments while playing football with friends, forcing him to withdraw from the 2015 Open Championship, but later stated he would not give up playing football.

2015: Injury and withdrawal from tournaments

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 at the PGA Championship, finishing 17th.

2016: WGC-Cadillac Championship falter and Masters disappointment

In March 2016, Rory McIlroy faltered in the final round of the WGC-Cadillac Championship. At the 2016 Masters Tournament, he finished tied-10th, attributing his struggles to the pressure of completing the Grand Slam.

2017: McIlroy Reveals Degenerative Disc Issue

In 2017, Rory McIlroy disclosed that he had a degenerative disc in his lumbar vertebrae, attributing it to the millions of golf swings he had taken since the age of two. He also credited coach McGregor for helping him take better care of his body.