Full History Of Rory McIlroy In Timeline From 1904

1904: Last Time Golf was Olympic Sport

Golf was named an Olympic sport for the first time since 1904 at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

1923: Bobby Jones' U.S. Open Win

In 1923, Bobby Jones was the youngest winner of the U.S. Open until Rory McIlroy won in 2011 at age 22.

1972: Death of Joe McIlroy

During The Troubles in 1972, McIlroy's great-uncle Joe McIlroy was shot to death by the Ulster Volunteer Force in a sectarian attack.

1980: Jack Nicklaus' 1980 PGA Championship

In 1980, Jack Nicklaus won the PGA Championship by seven strokes, which was the largest margin-of-victory at the PGA Championship until Rory McIlroy broke the record in 2012.

1980: Seve Ballesteros' Masters Win

In 1980, Seve Ballesteros won the Masters Tournament. This is relevant because Rory McIlroy became the youngest multiple major champion since Seve Ballesteros in 2012.

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.

1985: Barry McGuigan Wins Both Awards

In 1985, Barry McGuigan won both the BBC Sports Personality of the Year and RTÉ Sports Person of the Year awards in the same year.

1987: Ireland's Previous European Amateur Team Championship Win

The 2007 European Amateur Team Championship victory marked Ireland's first title in the championship since 1987.

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, both aged 27.

May 1989: Rory McIlroy's Birth

In May 1989, Rory Daniel McIlroy was born. He is a Northern Irish professional golfer who plays on the European Tour and the PGA Tour.

1993: Lee Janzen's U.S. Open Record

In 1993, Lee Janzen jointly held the U.S. Open record of 272 until Rory McIlroy broke the record in 2011.

1996: Release of Happy Gilmore

The movie Happy Gilmore was released in 1996.

Loading Video...

1997: Watching Tiger Woods's Masters Victory

In 1997, at age eight, Rory McIlroy watched every hole of Tiger Woods's victory at the Masters Tournament, greatly influencing his early interest in golf.

1998: Tiger Woods PGA Tour

From 1998 to 2013, Tiger Woods was the namesake for the series Tiger Woods PGA Tour.

1998: BBC Sport Interview

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

2000: Tiger Woods' U.S. Open Record

In 2000, Tiger Woods jointly held the U.S. Open record of 272 and set the record for 12-under in relation to par at Pebble Beach Golf Links, until Rory McIlroy broke the record in 2011.

2002: Ulster Boys' U15 Championship Win

In 2002, Rory McIlroy won the Ulster Boys' U15 Championship, showcasing his talent at a young age.

2003: Jim Furyk's U.S. Open Record

In 2003, Jim Furyk jointly held the U.S. Open record of 272 until Rory McIlroy broke the record in 2011.

2003: Ulster Boys' U18 Championship Win

In 2003, Rory McIlroy won the Ulster Boys' U18 Championship, further solidifying his reputation as a promising young golfer.

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 the European team which won the Junior Ryder Cup against the United States in Ohio.

2004: Signed Letter of Intent

In late 2004, Rory McIlroy had signed a letter of intent to play collegiate golf at East Tennessee State University, but decided to forgo the scholarship after winning the West of Ireland Championship and the Irish Close Championship in 2005.

May 2005: European Tour Debut

In May 2005, Rory McIlroy, at age 16, made his European Tour debut at the Daily Telegraph Dunlop Masters, marking his entry into professional golf at a young age.

August 2005: First Cut in a Professional Tournament

In August 2005, Rory McIlroy made his first cut in a professional tournament at the Morson International Pro-Am Challenge on the Challenge Tour, where he finished at 278, seven strokes behind the winner.

2005: West of Ireland Championship and Irish Close Championship Wins

In 2005, Rory McIlroy became the youngest-ever winner of both the West of Ireland Championship and the Irish Close Championship, demonstrating his exceptional talent and potential.

2005: Leaving School to Focus on Golf

In 2005, Rory McIlroy decided to leave school in order to concentrate on golf, showing his dedication to his golfing career.

2005: European Amateur Team Championship

In 2005, Rory McIlroy represented Ireland at the European Amateur Team Championship, though Ireland did not advance to the match-play portion.

2005: Young Player of the Year award

In 2005, Rory McIlroy was recognized for his early potential, receiving the Young Player of the Year award at the Belfast Telegraph Sports Awards.

2005: Tiger Woods' Multiple Wins in a Season

Since 2005, Tiger Woods was the only person to win four events in a season until Rory McIlroy matched the feat in 2012.

August 2006: European Amateur Win

In August 2006, Rory McIlroy won the European Amateur at Biella Golf Club, near Milan, Italy, earning him an exemption to The Open Championship the following year.

February 2007: First Cut on the European Tour

In February 2007, Rory McIlroy made his first cut on the European Tour at the Dubai Desert Classic as a 17-year-old, though he had to forego prize money due to his amateur status.

September 2007: Turned Professional

In September 2007, Rory McIlroy turned professional and signed with International Sports Management. He made his first professional start the following day at the Quinn Direct British Masters.

2007: Ambassador for Jumeirah

From 2007 to 2012, McIlroy was an ambassador for the hotel chain Jumeirah.

2007: European Amateur Team Championship Victory

In 2007, Rory McIlroy competed for Ireland at the European Amateur Team Championship, this time with future Open champion Shane Lowry. McIlroy was the individual leader and Ireland claimed victory.

2007: Major Championship Debut and Walker Cup Participation

In 2007, Rory McIlroy made his major championship debut at The Open Championship, finishing as the low amateur. He also ended his amateur career at the Walker Cup.

2007: Turned Professional

In 2007, Rory McIlroy turned professional after reaching number one on the World Amateur Golf Ranking as a 17-year-old, soon establishing himself on the European Tour.

2007: Tiger Woods Wins FedEx Cup

In 2007, Tiger Woods wins FedEx Cup. Rory McIlroy becomes the second player to win multiple FedEx Cups, after Tiger Woods (2007, 2009).

2007: Signing with International Sports Management (ISM)

In 2007, upon turning professional, McIlroy signed with International Sports Management (ISM), an agency founded by Chubby Chandler.

January 2008: Top 200 OWGR Ranking

On January 27, 2008, Rory McIlroy entered the top 200 of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) for the first time.

September 2008: Omega European Masters Playoff Loss

In September 2008, Rory McIlroy finished in a tie for first place at the Omega European Masters but lost in a play-off to Jean-François Lucquin.

November 2008: Top 50 OWGR Ranking

In November 2008, Rory McIlroy moved into the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) after finishing second in the UBS Hong Kong Open.

2008: Working with Putting Coach Paul Hurrion

In 2008, McIlroy began working with putting specialist coach Paul Hurrion, who identified McIlroy's over-reliance on hand-eye coordination when putting.

2008: Start of Caddie Relationship with JP Fitzgerald

In 2008, Rory McIlroy began his caddie relationship with JP Fitzgerald, a partnership that would last until 2017.

2008: Secured European Tour Card

In 2008, Rory McIlroy secured his European Tour card after finishing in a tie for 4th place at the Open de Madrid Valle Romano. He became the youngest affiliate member in the history of the European Tour to earn a tour card.

2008: George Best Breakthrough Prize

In 2008, Rory McIlroy was awarded the George Best Breakthrough Prize, marking his rise in the world of golf.

February 2009: First Professional Win

In February 2009, at age 19, Rory McIlroy achieved his first professional win at the Dubai Desert Classic, elevating him to 16th in the OWGR.

2009: Purchase of House in Moneyreagh

In 2009, McIlroy bought a house in Moneyreagh, featuring a practice facility and football pitch.

2009: First European Tour Win

In 2009, Rory McIlroy achieved his first win on the European Tour, marking an important step in his professional career.

2009: Invitation to the Masters Tournament

In 2009, Rory McIlroy earned an invitation to the Masters Tournament after ending the calendar year at 39th in the OWGR.

2009: Professional Achievements and World Cup Representation

In 2009, Rory McIlroy had multiple strong finishes in major championships and the Race to Dubai, entered the top 10 world rankings, and represented Ireland at the World Cup with Graeme McDowell.

2009: Belfast Telegraph Sports Star of the Year award

In 2009, Rory McIlroy's achievements earned him the Belfast Telegraph Sports Star of the Year award, solidifying his status as a leading figure in sports.

2009: Tiger Woods Wins FedEx Cup

In 2009, Tiger Woods wins FedEx Cup. Rory McIlroy becomes the second player to win multiple FedEx Cups, after Tiger Woods (2007, 2009).

2009: Parents Receive a New House

In 2009, after finding success as a professional golfer, Rory McIlroy bought his parents a house, expressing his gratitude for their sacrifices.

2009: Introduction to 'Putting Out of Your Mind'

In late 2009, McIlroy was introduced to Bob Rotella's book "Putting Out of Your Mind".

2010: Working with Exercise Physiologist Stephen McGregor

In 2010, McIlroy began working with exercise physiologist Stephen McGregor, who identified imbalances in McIlroy's body contributing to his back problems.

2010: Nationality and Passport

In 2010, McIlroy stated that he carries a British passport, though he is reluctant to discuss his nationality at length.

2010: Chandler's Advice

In 2010, McIlroy was advised by Chubby Chandler to give up his PGA Tour card and prioritize the European Tour.

2010: Joining the PGA Tour

In 2010, Rory McIlroy announced that he would join the American-based PGA Tour, marking a significant step in his career.

2010: Ryder Cup Win with Europe

In 2010, Rory McIlroy played for Europe at the Ryder Cup, with Europe winning the event.

2010: First PGA Tour Win

In 2010, Rory McIlroy secured his first win on the PGA Tour, further establishing his presence in professional golf.

2010: Strong Finishes at Open and PGA Championships

In 2010, Rory McIlroy tied the course record at the Open Championship with a 63 and finished tied for third. He also finished in third place at the PGA Championship, narrowly missing a playoff.

2010: Ryder Cup Selection and Performance

In 2010, Rory McIlroy was selected to represent Europe at the Ryder Cup as an automatic qualifier. He tied his Sunday singles match against Stewart Cink, contributing to Europe's victory with a score of 14.5–13.5. Following the Ryder Cup, in November 2010, McIlroy announced his return to the European Tour full-time while maintaining a limited schedule on the PGA Tour.

2010: First PGA Tour Win at Quail Hollow Championship

In 2010, Rory McIlroy won the Quail Hollow Championship with a course-record 62, securing his first PGA Tour win and becoming the first player since Tiger Woods to win a PGA Tour event before the age of 21. This win also gave him a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour.

2011: Ambassador for UNICEF Ireland

In 2011, McIlroy became an ambassador for UNICEF Ireland and visited Haiti with UNICEF in June of that year.

2011: Hiring Security Guards

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

2011: Leaving International Sports Management (ISM)

In 2011, McIlroy left International Sports Management (ISM), stating he felt he was being "led down the wrong path" by Chubby Chandler. He then signed with Horizon Sports Management.

2011: Sponsorship Agreement with Santander Bank

In 2011, McIlroy signed a multi-million dollar sponsorship agreement with Santander Bank.

2011: RTÉ Sports Person of the Year

In 2011, Rory McIlroy was named RTÉ Sports Person of the Year for his achievements.

2011: First Major Championship

In 2011, Rory McIlroy won his first major championship at the U.S. Open, marking a significant achievement in his career.

2011: Masters Tournament Lead and Final Round Struggles

In April 2011, Rory McIlroy led the Masters Tournament after shooting a bogey-free 65 in the first round, becoming the youngest player to hold the first-round lead at the Masters. After maintaining a four-stroke lead through 54 holes, McIlroy shot an 8-over-par 80 in the final round, including a triple bogey on the 10th and double bogey on the 12th hole, ultimately finishing in a tie for 15th place, 10 strokes behind winner Charl Schwartzel.

2011: Mixed Results and Victory in Shanghai

In July 2011, Rory McIlroy finished in tied-25th place at the Open Championship due to tough weather conditions. At the PGA Championship in 2011, he injured his wrist in the first round. In October 2011, McIlroy won the Lake Malaren Shanghai Masters, earning the $2 million first-place prize. In December 2011, he won the UBS Hong Kong Open.

2011: U.S. Open Victory

In June 2011, Rory McIlroy won the U.S. Open held at Congressional Country Club. He shot a bogey-free 65 in the first round and a 66 in the second round, setting a record for the lowest 36-hole total in U.S. Open history at 131 (-11). He set a 54-hole scoring record at 199 (-14), building an eight-stroke lead going into the final round. McIlroy's final round of 69 earned him his first major championship title, finishing eight strokes ahead of runner-up Jason Day. McIlroy's 72-hole aggregate score of 268 (-16) was a new U.S. Open record.

2011: Began dating Caroline Wozniacki

McIlroy started dating Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki in 2011.

September 2012: House in Moneyreagh Put Up for Sale

In September 2012, McIlroy's house in Moneyreagh was put up for sale for £2 million.

December 2012: Purchase of Property in Florida

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

2012: Improved Putting Credited to Dave Stockton

Following his win at the 2012 PGA Championship, McIlroy credited putting instruction from former PGA Tour player Dave Stockton for the improvements in his putting.

2012: Regret Over PGA Tour Decision

In 2012, McIlroy expressed regret over his 2010 decision to give up his PGA Tour card and skip the 2011 Players Championship. McIlroy cited his manager Chubby Chandler's aversion to the PGA Tour as a reason for their later professional split.

2012: Thoughts on The Troubles

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

2012: End of Jumeirah Ambassadorship

In 2012, McIlroy's ambassadorship with the hotel chain Jumeirah ended.

2012: Ryder Cup Win with Europe

In 2012, Rory McIlroy played for Europe at the Ryder Cup, with Europe winning the event.

2012: PGA Championship Win

In 2012, Rory McIlroy won the PGA Championship, adding another major title to his achievements.

2012: Tiger Woods Reaches $100 Million in Earnings

In 2025, Rory McIlroy reached $100 million in career earnings on the PGA Tour, becoming the second man to reach this milestone after Tiger Woods crossed the mark in 2012.

2012: Masters and Wells Fargo Performances

In April 2012, Rory McIlroy tied for 40th at the Masters Tournament after struggling on the weekend. In May 2012, he contended at the Wells Fargo Championship and went to a playoff with Rickie Fowler and D. A. Points, where Fowler ultimately won.

2012: Ascension to World Number One

In February 2012, Rory McIlroy finished runner-up at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. In March 2012, McIlroy won the Honda Classic, finishing two strokes ahead of Tiger Woods and Tom Gillis. With this victory, McIlroy reached the number one position in the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time in his career.

2012: Ryder Cup and DP World Tour Championship

In September 2012, Rory McIlroy topped the qualification standings for the Ryder Cup and picked up three points for the European team. On the final day of the Ryder Cup, a mix-up with his tee time led to a late arrival, but he defeated Keegan Bradley to help Europe record a comeback win. In November 2012, McIlroy won the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.

2012: Europe Ryder Cup Away Victory

In September 2025, McIlroy represented Europe at the 2025 Ryder Cup. The victory was the first away victory in a Ryder Cup since 2012.

March 2013: Contract Extension with Horizon Sports Management

In March 2013, McIlroy agreed a contract extension with Horizon Sports Management, which was set to run until 2017.

October 2013: Lawsuit Against Horizon Sports Management

In October 2013, McIlroy described his contract with Horizon Sports Management as "unconscionable" and filed suit against them, claiming they prioritized their own financial interests. Horizon countersued.

December 2013: Engagement to Caroline Wozniacki

In December 2013, McIlroy and Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki became engaged.

2013: Victory at the Emirates Australian Open

Due to a downturn in form, Rory McIlroy dropped from first to sixth in the OWGR. In December 2013, McIlroy recorded his first win of the year at the Emirates Australian Open, beating Adam Scott by one stroke.

2013: Cancelled UNICEF trip

In 2013, McIlroy cancelled a trip to Haiti with UNICEF due to a scheduling conflict with his participation in the Valero Texas Open. His management team then donated $166,000 of his money to UNICEF without his knowledge, but McIlroy reversed the donation due to not being consulted and also being advised by his then-partner Caroline Wozniacki to create a foundation instead of donating to NGOs such as UNICEF.

2013: Creation of The Rory Foundation

In 2013, McIlroy created The Rory Foundation, with a goal of supporting children's charities.

2013: Endorsement Deals with Nike, Bose, and Omega

In 2013, McIlroy signed a 10-year endorsement deal with Nike for golf clubs, balls and apparel, and also signed endorsement deals with Bose and Omega.

2013: Olympic Representation Considerations

In 2013, McIlroy stated he would play for Northern Ireland if there was a team, otherwise he would play for either Ireland or Great Britain, or not play at all to avoid upsetting people, as the Olympic sport for the first time since 1904 at the 2016 Summer Olympics

2013: Creation of Rory McIlroy Management Services Ltd

In 2013, after splitting from Horizon, McIlroy created a new management company, Rory McIlroy Management Services Ltd, based in Dublin.

2013: Mixed Results in Major Tournaments

In April 2013, Rory McIlroy finished runner-up at the Valero Texas Open and tied for 25th place at the Masters Tournament. McIlroy tied for 41st place at the 2013 U.S. Open, missed the cut at the 2013 Open Championship and tied for 8th place as defending champion at the 2013 PGA Championship.

2013: Equipment Change Struggles

In January 2013, Rory McIlroy struggled with an equipment change after signing an endorsement deal with Nike. He missed the cut at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship in January 2013 and withdrew from the Honda Classic in February 2013 as the defending champion.

2013: PGA Tour Missed Cut

Rory McIlroy missed the cut in his first start of the PGA Tour season at the Honda Classic in 2013. It was his first missed cut on the PGA Tour since the 2013 Open Championship, ending a streak of 22 consecutive events.

May 2014: Ended engagement to Caroline Wozniacki

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

2014: Open Championship win and support for rival football team

Following his 2014 Open Championship win at Royal Liverpool, McIlroy referenced his support for Manchester United F.C., Liverpool's rivals, during his acceptance speech, which was met with light-hearted boos from the crowd.

2014: BBC Sports Personality of the Year Runner-Up

In 2014, McIlroy finished as runner-up for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, having been shortlisted.

2014: Awards Sweep Repeated; RTÉ and BBC Northern Ireland Awards

In 2014, McIlroy repeated his previous awards sweep, winning the PGA Player of the Year and PGA Tour Player of the Year awards, as well as the Vardon Trophy and Byron Nelson Award. Also in 2014, he was named RTÉ Sports Person of the Year for a second time, and BBC Northern Ireland Sports Personality of the Year for a third time.

2014: Mark H. McCormack Award

In 2014, McIlroy won the Mark H. McCormack Award for leading the Official World Golf Ranking for the most weeks in a calendar year for the second time.

2014: Ryder Cup Win and RTÉ Sports Person of the Year

In 2014, Rory McIlroy played for Europe at the Ryder Cup, winning with his team, and was also named RTÉ Sports Person of the Year.

2014: PGA and Open Championship Wins

In 2014, Rory McIlroy won both the PGA Championship and The Open Championship, achieving two major victories in the same year.

2014: Pledged £1 million to Cancer Fund for Children

In 2014, through The Rory Foundation, McIlroy pledged £1 million to the Cancer Fund for Children in Newcastle, County Down.

2014: Last 54-hole Lead at a Major

In April 2025, at the Masters Tournament, McIlroy held his first 54-hole outright lead at a major since the 2014 PGA Championship.

2014: WGC-Bridgestone and PGA Championship Wins

In August 2014, Rory McIlroy won the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club, collecting his fourth major championship victory. In doing so, he joined Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only three players to win four majors by age 25.

2014: Open Championship Victory

In July 2014, Rory McIlroy won The Open Championship held at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, leading wire-to-wire and winning by two strokes over Rickie Fowler and Sergio García. The victory marked the first Open Championship and third major championship of his career. Rory McIlroy joined Tiger Woods as the only golfers to win both the Silver Medal and the Claret Jug at the Open Championship.

2014: Ryder Cup Performance

In September 2014, Rory McIlroy played in all five sessions of the Ryder Cup. He finished with a record of 2–1–2, including a win in his Sunday singles match against Rickie Fowler, as Europe won by a score of 16.5–11.5.

2014: Declaration of Representing Ireland at Olympics

On the eve of the 2014 Irish Open, McIlroy declared that he would represent Ireland at the Olympics.

December 2015: Engagement to Erica Stoll

In December 2015, McIlroy became engaged to Erica Stoll while on holiday in Paris.

2015: Results not in chronological order

Golf results before 2015 are not in chronological order.

2015: Rory McIlroy PGA Tour Video Game

In 2015, McIlroy became the namesake for the EA Sports video game Rory McIlroy PGA Tour, succeeding Tiger Woods who had been the namesake for the series from 1998 to 2013.

2015: Ankle injury playing football

In 2015, McIlroy injured his ankle ligaments while playing football with friends, leading to his withdrawal from the 2015 Open Championship. He later stated that he would avoid similar activities during the season to prevent future injuries.

2015: Laser Eye Surgery

In 2015, McIlroy underwent laser eye surgery to improve his vision, which he had previously struggled with due to wearing contact lenses, especially in the summer.

2015: Settlement with Horizon Sports Management

In 2015, McIlroy's legal battle with Horizon Sports Management ended with an out-of-court settlement where McIlroy paid the firm in excess of $25 million plus costs.

2015: Return to World Number One

In 2020, Rory McIlroy had four consecutive top-5 finishes on the PGA Tour, which helped him reclaim the world number one spot in the OWGR for the first time since 2015.

2015: Injury and Return to Competition

In July 2015, Rory McIlroy ruptured his left anterior talofibular ligament while playing soccer, leading to him withdrawing from the Open Championship and the subsequent WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. He made his return at the 2015 PGA Championship.

2015: WGC-Cadillac Match Play and Wells Fargo Championship Wins

In May 2015, Rory McIlroy won the 2015 WGC-Cadillac Match Play event, defeating Gary Woodland in the final. This was his second World Golf Championship and his tenth PGA tour title. Later in May 2015, while playing in the Wells Fargo Championship, McIlroy shot a course-record 61 and won the championship for a second time.

2016: Golf in the Olympics

As golf was named an Olympic sport for the first time since 1904 at the 2016 Summer Olympics, McIlroy was regularly questioned whether he would represent Great Britain or Ireland.

2016: Nike's Exit from Golf Equipment and TaylorMade Deal

At the end of 2016, Nike announced their withdrawal from the golf equipment market, releasing players from their contracts early. After spending several months trying different clubs and balls, Rory McIlroy signed a $100 million endorsement deal with TaylorMade.

2016: Foundation dispersed 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 McIlroy.

2016: Won the Tour Championship

In 2016, Rory McIlroy won the Tour Championship, which was his last win before his victory in March 2018 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

2016: Challenges at WGC-Cadillac Championship and Masters

In March 2016, Rory McIlroy faltered in the final round of the WGC-Cadillac Championship, finishing two shots behind winner Adam Scott. At the 2016 Masters Tournament, McIlroy shot a five-over 77 in the third round and finished tied-10th, attributing his performance to the pressure of trying to complete the Grand Slam.

2016: Irish Open Victory and Olympics Withdrawal

In May 2016, Rory McIlroy claimed his first victory of the year at his home Irish Open and donated the winner's cheque to charity. He withdrew from the 2016 Summer Olympics due to the threat of the Zika virus in Brazil and later expressed regret for dismissing the event.

2016: Deutsche Bank Championship, Tour Championship, and Ryder Cup

In September 2016, Rory McIlroy won the Deutsche Bank Championship. Two weeks later, at the 2016 Tour Championship, McIlroy won the competition in a playoff, earning his first FedEx Cup title and the $10 million bonus prize. At the 2016 Ryder Cup in October, McIlroy played five matches and won three points. In the Sunday singles, he lost to Patrick Reed.

April 2017: Marriage to Erica Stoll

In April 2017, McIlroy married Erica Stoll at Ashford Castle in Cong, County Mayo.

2017: Forbes Ranking

In 2017, McIlroy ranked sixth in Forbes's list of the world's highest-paid athletes, earning $50 million, with $34 million from endorsements.

2017: Degenerative Disc Diagnosis

In 2017, McIlroy revealed that he had a degenerative disc in his lumbar vertebrae, attributing it to years of swinging a golf club. He also credited Stephen McGregor's guidance with helping him to better care for his body and extend his career.

2017: Winless Season and Rib Injury

In 2017, Rory McIlroy experienced his first winless year since 2008, hampered by a rib injury sustained at the BMW SA Open in January. Despite top-10 finishes at the Masters and Open Championship, he dropped from 2nd to 11th in the OWGR and took a three-month break to recover.

2017: Nike Apparel Extension and TaylorMade Equipment Deal

In 2017, after Nike exited the golf equipment business, McIlroy signed a 10-year contract extension with Nike for apparel and a 10-year equipment deal with TaylorMade for clubs, ball and bag.

2017: Horizon Sports Management contract End Date

In March 2013, McIlroy agreed a contract extension with Horizon Sports Management, which was set to run until 2017.

2017: Parting Ways with JP Fitzgerald and Hiring Harry Diamond

Late in 2017, Rory McIlroy ended his long-term partnership with caddie JP Fitzgerald and hired his childhood friend Harry Diamond as his new caddie after considering other experienced candidates.

January 2018: Return to Competition and Heart Irregularity Diagnosis

In January 2018, Rory McIlroy returned to professional golf at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship after a 100-day break and disclosed a diagnosis of a slight heart irregularity, downplaying its impact on his performance.

March 2018: Victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational

In March 2018, Rory McIlroy won the Arnold Palmer Invitational, securing his first victory since the 2016 Tour Championship with a final-round score of 64.

September 2018: Participation in the 2018 Ryder Cup

In September 2018, Rory McIlroy competed in the 2018 Ryder Cup, contributing to Team Europe's victory over Team USA with a 2–3–0 record, including a loss in the Sunday singles to Justin Thomas.

December 2018: Shutdown of The Rory Foundation

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

2018: Appearance on The Grand Tour

In 2018, McIlroy appeared on an episode of the Amazon Prime show, The Grand Tour, where he competed in the "Celebrity Face-Off" segment against Paris Hilton.

Loading Video...

2018: Ryder Cup Win with Europe

In 2018, Rory McIlroy played for Europe at the Ryder Cup, with Europe winning the event.

2018: Brad Faxon as Putting Coach

Since 2018, former PGA Tour player Brad Faxon has been McIlroy's putting coach.

June 2019: Victory at the RBC Canadian Open

In June 2019, Rory McIlroy won the RBC Canadian Open, completing the career Triple Crown and becoming the sixth golfer to win the Open Championship, the U.S. Open, and the Canadian Open.

November 2019: Victory at the WGC-HSBC Champions and Refusal to Participate in Saudi International

In November 2019, Rory McIlroy won the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai and declined an invitation to the European Tour's Saudi International, citing moral concerns related to Saudi Arabia's human rights record.

2019: Founding of Symphony Ventures

In 2019, McIlroy founded Symphony Ventures, a venture capital firm, alongside Sean O'Flaherty.

2019: PGA Tour Success and Players Championship Victory

In 2019, Rory McIlroy had a strong start on the PGA Tour with five consecutive top-6 finishes and won The Players Championship in March. This win made him one of only three players to have won four majors and 15 PGA Tour titles before turning 30.

2019: The Players Championship Win

In 2019, Rory McIlroy won The Players Championship, adding another prestigious title to his list of accomplishments.

May 2020: Charity Skins Game Win

In May 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Rory McIlroy, along with Dustin Johnson, won a charity skins game, which raised around £4 million for relief efforts as golf returned to television.

September 2020: Birth of daughter

In September 2020, McIlroy and Erica Stoll had a daughter.

2020: Intention to Compete in 2020 Olympics

Following his withdrawal from the 2016 Summer Olympics, Rory McIlroy outlined his intention to compete at the 2020 Olympic Games.

2020: Investment in WHOOP

In 2020, McIlroy was among the investors in a $100-million Series E financing round for WHOOP.

2020: Top Finishes at Majors

In 2020, Rory McIlroy achieved a tie for 8th place at the delayed U.S. Open in September and a top-5 finish at the Masters Tournament in November.

2020: Results not in chronological order

The golf results from 2020 are not in chronological order.

January 2021: Third Place at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

In January 2021, Rory McIlroy finished third at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship after holding the 54-hole lead, ending five shots behind the winner.

May 2021: Victory at the Wells Fargo Championship

In May 2021, Rory McIlroy won the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club, marking his third win at that course and his 19th PGA Tour victory.

August 2021: Participation in the Olympic Games

In August 2021, Rory McIlroy represented Ireland at the Olympic Games, tying for third place after 72 holes and losing in a seven-man playoff for the bronze medal.

October 2021: Victory at the CJ Cup

In October 2021, Rory McIlroy won the CJ Cup, securing his 20th PGA Tour victory and earning life membership on the tour.

2022: Founding of TMRW Sports

In 2022, McIlroy founded TMRW Sports alongside Tiger Woods and Mike McCarley.

2022: Runner-Up Finish at the Masters Tournament and First-Round Lead at the PGA Championship

In 2022, Rory McIlroy achieved his best-ever finish at the Masters Tournament, finishing as runner-up after a final-round 64. He also held the first-round lead at the PGA Championship but ultimately finished 8th.

2022: Three-Time FedEx Cup Winner

In 2022, Rory McIlroy became the first person to win the FedEx Cup three times, marking a significant milestone in his career.

2022: Defense of Title at RBC Canadian Open and Top-10 Finishes in All Majors

In 2022, Rory McIlroy defended his title at the RBC Canadian Open and achieved top-10 finishes in all four major championships for the first time in his career.

2022: Opposition to LIV Golf

In 2022, after the emergence of LIV Golf, McIlroy became a vocal opponent of the Saudi-funded league.

2022: Discontinuation of Championship and Invitational

The Championship and Invitational were discontinued from 2022.

January 2023: Refusal to Speak with Patrick Reed

In January 2023, McIlroy refused to speak to LIV golfer Patrick Reed after Reed had sent a lawyer to serve him a subpoena on Christmas Eve as part of an anti-trust lawsuit.

June 2023: Feeling Like a Sacrificial Lamb

In June 2023, after the PGA Tour announced a framework agreement for a potential merger with LIV Golf, McIlroy said he felt like a "sacrificial lamb" due to his support of the PGA Tour and stated that he would retire if LIV Golf was the last place to play golf.

2023: Investment in Alpine Racing Team

In 2023, McIlroy joined the investment group of the Alpine racing team of Formula One.

2023: Support for the Buffalo Bills

In 2023, McIlroy mentioned that he is a fan of the Buffalo Bills because his wife, Erica, is originally from Irondequoit, New York, noting that having Josh Allen as the quarterback makes it easier to root for the team.

2023: BBC Sports Personality of the Year Shortlisting

In 2023, McIlroy was shortlisted for BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

2023: U.S. Open Finish and Genesis Scottish Open Victory

In 2023, Rory McIlroy finished solo-second at the U.S. Open in June and won the Genesis Scottish Open in July, followed by a tied-sixth finish at the Open Championship.

2023: Ryder Cup Win with Europe

In 2023, Rory McIlroy played for Europe at the Ryder Cup, with Europe winning the event.

2023: Ryder Cup and Race to Dubai Title

In 2023, Rory McIlroy played in the Ryder Cup, contributing to Europe's victory and becoming the top points scorer. He also secured his fifth Race to Dubai title in November, solidifying his position on the European Tour.

2023: Hero Dubai Desert Classic Win, Masters Missed Cut, and PGA Championship Finish

In 2023, Rory McIlroy started the year by winning the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January, but he missed the cut at the Masters Tournament in April and finished tied-7th at the PGA Championship in May.

2023: Donation towards Cancer Fund for Children lodge

It was announced in 2023 that McIlroy had paid €1 million towards the construction of a Cancer Fund for Children lodge in Cong, County Mayo.

2023: Full Swing documentary series

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

Loading Video...

2023: Discontinuation of Champions

The Champions tournament was discontinued from 2023.

May 2024: Filed for divorce from Erica Stoll

In May 2024, McIlroy filed for divorce from Erica Stoll in Palm Beach County, Florida.

June 2024: Divorce filing withdrawn

By June 11, 2024, McIlroy withdrew the divorce filing, stating that he and Erica Stoll had resolved their differences and were looking forward to a new beginning.

2024: Investment in TickPick

In 2024, McIlroy joined the investment group of the ticket marketplace TickPick.

2024: Softening Stance Against LIV Golf

In 2024, McIlroy softened his stance against LIV Golf, stating that he had been "a little judgemental" towards golfers who joined LIV and accepted it as part of the sport.

2024: Delivery of Gulfstream G650ER

In 2024, McIlroy took delivery of a Gulfstream G650ER private jet.

2024: European Tour Player of the Year Award

In 2024, McIlroy won the European Tour Player of the Year award, now renamed the Seve Ballesteros Award, for the fourth time in his career.

2024: U.S. Open and Open Championship Performances

In 2024, Rory McIlroy finished one stroke behind the lead at the U.S. Open after struggling on the final holes. He then missed the cut at the Open Championship, extending his major championship drought to ten years.

2024: Zurich Classic and Wells Fargo Championship Wins

In 2024, Rory McIlroy won his first title of the season at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in April, a team event with Shane Lowry. He followed this with a victory at the Wells Fargo Championship, marking his fourth win at that event.

May 2025: Partnership with TPG

In May 2025, McIlroy partnered with private equity firm TPG to form TPG Sports, an investment fund targeting the sports sector.

December 2025: Joint Venture with Versant

In December 2025, McIlroy announced a new joint venture with Golf Channel parent company Versant known as Firethorn Productions and an extension of his contract with the company through 2038.

2025: Ball Speed Capability

As of 2025, McIlroy is capable of producing over 190 miles per hour (310 km/h) ball speed.

2025: Cameo appearance in Happy Gilmore 2

In 2025, McIlroy made a cameo appearance in the film Happy Gilmore 2, a sequel to the original movie.

Loading Video...

2025: Move to Wentworth Estate

In 2025, McIlroy moved into a home in the Wentworth Estate in Surrey.

2025: BBC Sports Personality and RTÉ Sports Person of the Year

In 2025, McIlroy won BBC Sports Personality of the Year by topping the public vote, and was named the 2025 RTÉ Sports Person of the Year, becoming the first person to win both awards in the same year since 1985.

2025: Genesis Scottish Open, Irish Open Victory, and Ryder Cup

In 2025, Rory McIlroy finished runner-up at the Genesis Scottish Open, won the Amgen Irish Open after a playoff, and represented Europe at the Ryder Cup, contributing to their victory. He also secured his seventh Race to Dubai title.

2025: Ryder Cup Win, RTÉ Sports Person of the Year, and BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award

In 2025, Rory McIlroy played for Europe at the Ryder Cup, with Europe winning the event. He was also named RTÉ Sports Person of the Year and won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award.

2025: AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and Players Championship Wins

In 2025, Rory McIlroy won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in his first PGA Tour event of the year and then claimed his second Players Championship title in March after a playoff. He also reached $100 million in career earnings on the PGA Tour.

2025: Masters Tournament Win and Career Grand Slam

In 2025, Rory McIlroy won the Masters Tournament, completing the career grand slam after a ten-year drought in the majors.

2025: Post-Masters Performance and Motivation

In 2025, after winning the Masters, Rory McIlroy tied for 47th at the PGA Championship, missed the cut at the RBC Canadian Open, and expressed a loss of motivation following his career grand slam.

2025: DP World Tour season money prize

Money prize figures are rounded up to nearest Euro through the 2025 DP World Tour season.

2038: Versant Contract End Date

In December 2025, McIlroy announced a new joint venture with Golf Channel parent company Versant known as Firethorn Productions and an extension of his contract with the company through 2038.