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. A former world number one, he spent over 100 weeks in that position. McIlroy has secured four major championships: the 2011 U.S. Open, the 2012 PGA Championship, the 2014 Open Championship, and the 2014 PGA Championship. He is one of only three golfers, alongside Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, to have won four majors by the age of 25, solidifying his place among golf's elite.

Sections (6)

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

1904: Last time that golf was an Olympic Event

In June 2014, Rory McIlroy said he would represent Ireland at the 2016 Olympic Summer Games, where golf became an Olympic event for the first time since 1904.

November 1972: Joe McIlroy killed in Belfast

In November 1972, Rory McIlroy's great-uncle, Joe McIlroy, was killed by the Ulster Volunteer Force in a sectarian attack at his home in East Belfast.

May 1989: Rory McIlroy's Birth

On May 4, 1989, Rory McIlroy was born in Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland, to Rosie (née McDonald) and Gerry McIlroy, making him their only child.

2004: Signed Letter of Intent with East Tennessee State University

In late 2004, at age 15, Rory McIlroy signed a letter of intent to play collegiate golf at East Tennessee State University.

2007: Turned Professional

In 2007, Rory McIlroy, after achieving the number one spot on the World Amateur Golf Ranking as a 17-year-old, transitioned into a professional golfer.

June 2011: McIlroy Visits Haiti with UNICEF

In June 2011, Rory McIlroy, as an Ambassador for UNICEF Ireland, made his first visit to Haiti with UNICEF.

September 2012: McIlroy's House in Moneyreagh Put Up for Sale

In September 2012, Rory McIlroy listed his house near Moneyreagh in County Down for sale at a price of £2 million.

December 2012: McIlroy Purchases Property in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

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

2012: McIlroy expressed interest in representing Great Britain

In 2012 Rory McIlroy expressed an interest in representing Great Britain as opposed to Ireland at the Olympics.

January 2013: McIlroy Considers Olympic Representation

In January 2013, Rory McIlroy was considering representing either Great Britain or Ireland, or not participating at all, in the Olympic Games.

June 2014: McIlroy to Represent Ireland at 2016 Olympic Games

In June 2014, Rory McIlroy announced his decision to represent Ireland at the 2016 Olympic Summer Games, where golf was reinstated as an Olympic event for the first time since 1904.

2014: McIlroy Wins Open Championship at Royal Liverpool

Following his win at the 2014 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, Rory McIlroy, a Manchester United F.C. fan, made a joke that resulted in playful boos from the rival Liverpool fans before thanking them for their support.

2014: McIlroy chooses to represent Ireland

In 2014, Rory McIlroy chose to represent Ireland at the Olympics.

2014: McIlroy announced as official ambassador for PGA Junior League Golf

In 2014, Rory McIlroy was also announced as an official ambassador for PGA Junior League Golf.

2015: McIlroy Injures Ankle Ligaments

In 2015, Rory McIlroy injured ankle ligaments while playing football, causing him to miss the 2015 Open Championship. He later stated he would continue to play football.

2016: McIlroy on Olympic Games

In 2016, Rory McIlroy initially stated he would not watch the golf tournament at the Olympic Games, focusing instead on other sports. However, after the tournament, he admitted he was wrong to dismiss it and was surprised by its success.

2016: McIlroy represents Ireland at the Olympic Games

In 2016, Rory McIlroy planned to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games.

February 2018: McIlroy appears on The Grand Tour

In February 2018, Rory McIlroy appeared on an episode of the Amazon Prime show, The Grand Tour, participating in the 'Celebrity Face-Off' segment against Paris Hilton.

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May 2019: McIlroy Intends to Compete at 2020 Olympic Games

In May 2019, Rory McIlroy announced his intention to represent Ireland at the 2020 Olympic Games.

December 2019: McIlroy to Miss Saudi International Tournament

In December 2019, Rory McIlroy announced his decision to skip the European Tour's Saudi International tournament in Riyadh, citing morality issues as the primary reason for his absence.