Childhood and Education Journey of Rory McIlroy in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Rory McIlroy, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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.

1982: Uncle's Ulster Senior Football Championship Win

In 1982, Rory McIlroy's uncle, Mickey McDonald, won the Ulster Senior Football Championship playing Gaelic football for Armagh GAA.

1987: Ireland's Previous Title in the Championship

In 1987, Ireland won the European Amateur Team Championship. It was Ireland's first title in the championship since 1987.

January 1988: Parents' Wedding

In January 1988, Rory McIlroy's parents, Rosaleen McDonald and Gerry McIlroy, married at St Colmcille's Church in Holywood.

May 1989: Rory McIlroy's Birth

In May 1989, Rory Daniel McIlroy was born, marking the beginning of the life of the Northern Irish professional golfer.

1997: Watching Tiger Woods' Masters Victory

In 1997, as a child, Rory McIlroy intently watched every hole of Tiger Woods' victory at the Masters Tournament, inspiring his own aspirations.

1998: BBC Interview and Ambition to Win Majors

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

2004: Signing Letter of Intent

In late 2004, Rory McIlroy had signed a letter of intent to play collegiate golf at East Tennessee State University.

2005: Leaving School to Focus on Golf

In 2005, Rory McIlroy decided to leave school to concentrate on his golf career.

2009: McIlroy Buys House in Moneyreagh

In 2009, Rory McIlroy bought a house in Moneyreagh, a small village south of Belfast, which included a custom-made practice facility and a football pitch.

2009: Buying Parents a House

In 2009, after achieving success as a professional golfer, Rory McIlroy bought his parents a house as a gesture of gratitude.

2009: McIlroy Introduced to "Putting Out of Your Mind"

In late 2009, Rory McIlroy was introduced to Bob Rotella's book "Putting Out of Your Mind", which likely influenced his approach to putting.

2010: Working with exercise physiologist Stephen McGregor

In 2010, Rory McIlroy began working with exercise physiologist Stephen McGregor to address imbalances in his body and improve his golf swing, focusing on stability and reducing reliance on arm speed.

2011: McIlroy Hires Security After U.S. Open Win

After winning the 2011 U.S. Open, Rory McIlroy hired security guards for his property due to increased attention and strangers driving up his driveway.

September 2012: McIlroy Puts Moneyreagh House Up for Sale

In September 2012, Rory McIlroy put his house in Moneyreagh up for sale for £2 million.

December 2012: McIlroy Purchases Property in Florida

In December 2012, Rory McIlroy purchased a $10-million property in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, near Jack Nicklaus' Bear's Club.

2012: McIlroy Discusses His Upbringing and The Troubles

In 2012, Rory McIlroy stated that he does not want to be defined by The Troubles and that it is not how his generation thinks.

2013: McIlroy Discusses Olympic Representation

In 2013, Rory McIlroy discussed the complexities of choosing between representing Great Britain or Ireland at the Olympics, stating that if there was a Northern Irish team, he would play for them, and if not, he might not play at all to avoid upsetting people.

2013: Creation of The Rory Foundation

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

2014: McIlroy References Manchester United Support After Open Win

Following his 2014 Open Championship win at Royal Liverpool, Rory McIlroy made reference to his support for Manchester United F.C. during his acceptance speech, prompting light-hearted boos from the crowd.

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.

2015: McIlroy Undergoes Laser Eye Surgery

In 2015, Rory McIlroy underwent laser eye surgery to correct his vision, after previously relying on contact lenses, which he found problematic, especially during the summer due to hayfever. He reported having better than 20/20 vision after the surgery.

2016: Nike's withdrawal and endorsement deal with TaylorMade

At the end of 2016, Nike withdrew from the golf equipment market, leading Rory McIlroy to sign a $100 million endorsement deal with TaylorMade.

2016: Foundation Dispenses Funds to Charities

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.

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.

December 2018: Closure of The Rory Foundation

In December 2018, The Rory Foundation was shut down, with a spokeswoman stating that Rory McIlroy "is adopting a private philanthropic policy".

2018: McIlroy Appears on The Grand Tour

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 of the show.

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