Lasting Legacy of Rory McIlroy: A Look at the Influence on History
A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Rory McIlroy across different fields.
Rory McIlroy is a highly accomplished Northern Irish professional golfer, renowned for his membership in both the European and PGA Tours. He achieved the world number one ranking and maintained it for over 100 weeks. McIlroy stands alone as the only three-time FedEx Cup champion, exceeding Tiger Woods' previous record. His major championship victories include the 2011 U.S. Open, 2012 PGA Championship, 2014 Open Championship, and 2014 PGA Championship. He is one of only three golfers, alongside Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, to secure four major titles before turning 25.
2007: Ambassador for Jumeirah Group
In 2007, McIlroy became an ambassador for the Jumeirah Group.
2010: Regret over PGA Tour Decision
Rory McIlroy later stated that he regretted his 2010 decision to give up his PGA Tour card and skipping the 2010 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.
2012: Sweeping Awards and Recognition
In 2012, McIlroy had a year of significant recognition, leading the PGA Tour money list and winning the PGA Player of the Year, PGA Tour Player of the Year, Vardon Trophy, and Byron Nelson Award. He also won the Race to Dubai, was voted the European Tour Golfer of the Year, won the Mark H. McCormack Award, and a Laureus World Sports Award.
2012: Appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire
In 2012, McIlroy was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to sport, recognizing his contributions and achievements in the field.
January 2013: Nike Endorsement Deal
In January 2013, McIlroy signed a significant endorsement deal with Nike, speculated to be around $100 million, highlighting his marketability and commercial appeal.
2013: Replaced Tiger Woods
In 2013, EA Sports transitioned from Tiger Woods to Rory McIlroy as the namesake for their PGA Tour video game series.
2014: Sweeping PGA Tour awards and other accolades
In 2014, McIlroy again swept the PGA Tour awards, earning the Arnold Palmer Award, PGA Player of the Year, PGA Tour Player of the Year, Vardon Trophy, and Byron Nelson Award. He also secured the Race to Dubai, was voted the European Tour Golfer of the Year, and won the Mark H. McCormack Award. Additionally, he was awarded the RTÉ Sports Person of the Year and BBC Northern Ireland Sports Personality of the Year.
2015: EA Sports' video game Rory McIlroy PGA Tour
In 2015, Rory McIlroy became the namesake for EA Sports' video game Rory McIlroy PGA Tour, replacing Tiger Woods.
2017: Sixth Highest-Paid Sportsperson
In 2017, McIlroy was ranked as the joint sixth highest-paid sportsperson globally by Forbes, earning US$50 million, with $34 million coming from endorsements, highlighting his financial success and marketability.
2017: Nike Apparel Deal 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 also signed a 10-year equipment deal with TaylorMade.
2019: PGA Tour Player of the Year
In 2019, McIlroy received the PGA Tour Player of the Year award for the third time, adding to his previous wins. He also won the Vardon Trophy and Byron Nelson Award for a third time.
