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 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

1972: Death of Joe McIlroy

In 1972, during the Troubles, Rory McIlroy's great uncle Joe McIlroy was shot to death by the Ulster Volunteer Force in a sectarian attack.

1982: Uncle's Championship Win

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

January 1988: Parents' Wedding

In January 1988, Rory McIlroy's parents, Rosaleen and Gerry McIlroy, married at St Colmcille's Church in Holywood. Both were aged 27.

May 1989: Birth in Holywood

In May 1989, Rory McIlroy was born in Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland.

May 1989: Rory McIlroy Born

On May 4, 1989, Rory Daniel McIlroy was born. He is a Northern Irish professional golfer.

1996: Happy Gilmore Movie

Rory McIlroy made a cameo appearance in the 2025 film Happy Gilmore 2, a sequel to Happy Gilmore (1996).

1997: Inspired by Tiger Woods' victory

In 1997, Rory McIlroy, as a child, was inspired by Tiger Woods' victory at the Masters Tournament, stating he watched every hole.

1998: Ambition to win major titles

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

2004: Signed Letter of Intent

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

2005: Left school to concentrate on golf

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

2009: House Purchase

In 2009, Rory McIlroy bought a house in Moneyreagh, south of Belfast, with a custom practice facility and football pitch.

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.

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: Hiring Security

In 2011, after winning the U.S. Open, Rory McIlroy hired security guards for his property due to increased attention.

September 2012: House for Sale

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

December 2012: Purchase of Florida Property

In December 2012, Rory McIlroy purchased a $10-million property in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

2012: Views on the Troubles

In 2012, Rory McIlroy stated he doesn't want to be defined by the Troubles and that it's not how his generation thinks.

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: Nationality and Olympics

In 2013, Rory McIlroy discussed his complex national identity and the possibility of playing for Northern Ireland, Ireland, or Great Britain at the Olympics.

2014: Open Championship win and Liverpool rivalry

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

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.

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.

December 2018: Closure of The Rory Foundation

In December 2018, The Rory Foundation was shut down, as McIlroy transitioned to a private philanthropic policy.

2018: Appearance 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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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.

2023: Featuring in Full Swing

In 2023, Rory McIlroy featured in the sports documentary series Full Swing, which premiered on Netflix.

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2023: Buffalo Bills fan

In 2023, Rory McIlroy said he is a fan of the Buffalo Bills due to his wife Erica being from Irondequoit, New York.

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.