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 the European and PGA Tours. As a former world number one, he held the top spot in the Official World Golf Ranking for over 100 weeks. McIlroy is a five-time major champion and one of only six golfers to accomplish a modern career Grand Slam, notably being the first European to achieve this feat, solidifying his place as a dominant figure in the sport.
2 days ago : Rory McIlroy Prepares for British Open 2025 at Royal Portrush with Practice.
Rory McIlroy gears up for the 2025 British Open at Royal Portrush, prioritizing practice and course familiarity to tackle the challenges ahead. The unpredictability of Portrush is anticipated.
November 1972: Granduncle's death
In November 1972, during The Troubles, Rory McIlroy's granduncle, Joe McIlroy, was shot to death by the Ulster Volunteer Force in a sectarian attack at his home.
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.
January 1988: Parents' Marriage
In January 1988, Rory McIlroy's parents, Rosaleen "Rosie" 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 in Northern Ireland. He would later become a professional golfer.
1997: Watching Tiger Woods' Masters Victory
In 1997, at age eight, Rory McIlroy watched every hole of Tiger Woods' victory at the Masters Tournament, becoming a self-described "anorak" of Woods.
2002: Ulster Boys' U15 Championship Win
In 2002, Rory McIlroy won the Ulster Boys' U15 Championship, marking an early achievement in his amateur career.
2003: Ulster Boys' U18 Championship Win
In 2003, Rory McIlroy won the Ulster Boys' U18 Championship, adding to his amateur achievements.
2004: European Boys' Team Championship and Junior Ryder Cup
In 2004, Rory McIlroy was a member of the Irish team at the European Boys' Team Championship in Finland and part of the European team that won the Junior Ryder Cup against the United States.
2004: Signed Letter of Intent to Play Collegiate Golf
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 at age 16.
2005: Left School to Focus on Golf
In 2005, Rory McIlroy decided to leave school in order to fully concentrate on his golf career.
2007: Major Championship Debut and Ended Amateur Career
In 2007, Rory McIlroy made his major championship debut at The Open Championship, finishing as the low amateur. He ended his amateur career at the 2007 Walker Cup.
2009: Bought house in Moneyreagh
In 2009, Rory McIlroy bought a house in Moneyreagh, a small village south of Belfast, featuring a custom-made practice facility.
2009: Bought Parents a House
In 2009, after finding success as a professional golfer, Rory McIlroy bought his parents a house, ensuring they would not have to work again.
2011: Hired security guards
After winning the 2011 U.S. Open, Rory McIlroy hired security guards for his Moneyreagh property due to increased attention.
September 2012: House put up for sale
In September 2012, Rory McIlroy's house in Moneyreagh was put up for sale for £2 million.
2013: Nationality Question
In 2013, Rory McIlroy discussed his options of representing Great Britain, Ireland, or Northern Ireland in the Olympics, stating he feels a connection to both Ireland and the UK.
2014: Referenced Man U support after Open Championship
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.
2014: Declared he would represent Ireland
On the eve of the 2014 Irish Open, Rory McIlroy declared that he would represent Ireland at the Olympics.
2015: Laser eye surgery
In 2015, Rory McIlroy underwent laser eye surgery to improve his vision on the golf course, after having previously used contact lenses. He said that he had struggled with reading greens and with hayfever affecting his eyes.
2016: Equipment Changes and TaylorMade Deal
At the end of 2016, Nike withdrew from the golf equipment market. Rory McIlroy signed a $100 million endorsement deal with TaylorMade.
2016: Irish Open Victory and Olympic Withdrawal
In May 2016, Rory McIlroy won the Irish Open and donated the winnings to charity. He withdrew from the 2016 Summer Olympics due to the Zika virus threat but expressed interest in competing at the 2020 Olympics.
December 2018: Closure of The Rory Foundation
In December 2018, The Rory Foundation shut down, with a spokeswoman stating that McIlroy "is adopting a private philanthropic policy".
May 2020: McIlroy participates in charity skins game
In May 2020, Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson won a charity skins game, raising around £4 million for relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 2020: Welcomed a daughter
In September 2020, Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll had a daughter.
2020: Olympic Games Intention
In 2016, Rory McIlroy outlined his intention to compete at the 2020 Olympic Games.
August 2021: McIlroy represents Ireland at the Olympic Games
In August 2021, Rory McIlroy represented Ireland at the Olympic Games, tying for third and losing in a seven-man playoff for the bronze medal.
2023: Fan of the Buffalo Bills
In 2023, Rory McIlroy said that he is a fan of the Buffalo Bills, as his wife Erica is originally from Irondequoit, New York.
2024: Took delivery of a private jet
In 2024, Rory McIlroy took delivery of a Gulfstream G650ER, a private jet, having previously owned a Bombardier Challenger 605.
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