Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy, one of the most promising young golfers, turned professional in September 2007, shortly after the Walker Cup which took place on September 8-9, 2007. McIlroy played on the European Tour and was managed by International Sports Management. His status as a professional golfer was a highly anticipated move, given his successful amateur career, which included victories at championships and high world rankings as an amateur.

In February 2009, Rory McIlroy won his first tournament as a professional, achieving victory at the Dubai Desert Classic. This win marked a critical milestone in his career, showcasing his skill and potential on an international stage. McIlroy finished at 19-under-par, one stroke ahead of Justin Rose, securing his place among the top upcoming golfers. The victory also propelled him into the top 20 of the Official World Golf Ranking.

On June 19, 2011, Rory McIlroy won the U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, in spectacular fashion. He set a new record by finishing at 16-under-par, the lowest score in U.S. Open history to that date. His victory margin of eight strokes was reminiscent of Tiger Woods' victory in 2000, and the win established McIlroy as one of the leading figures in the sport. This major victory at age 22 highlighted McIlroy's extraordinary talent and future potential in golf.

Rory McIlroy was awarded the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) on December 31, 2011, in recognition of his services to sport. This honor acknowledged his contributions to golf and his role as an ambassador for the sport worldwide. McIlroy's incredible achievements at a young age, including his landmark U.S. Open victory, were celebrated as part of this honor. The award highlighted McIlroy's status as one of the prominent figures in golf and his potential to influence the next generation.

In August 2012, Rory McIlroy claimed his second major championship by winning the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island, South Carolina. He finished the tournament at 13-under-par, winning by a record eight strokes, which broke the previous record margin held by Jack Nicklaus. This dominant performance solidified McIlroy's place at the top of world golf, earning him the top spot in the Official World Golf Ranking and further establishing his legacy as one of the game's greats.

Rory McIlroy achieved a significant career milestone by winning The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake on July 20, 2014. He led the tournament from start to finish with rounds of 66, 66, 68, and 71, finishing at 17-under-par. This victory was McIlroy's third major championship and it made him the champion of golf's oldest major. His success at The Open was part of a dominant year in which he also won the PGA Championship, ultimately finishing the season as the world number one golfer.

Rory McIlroy secured his fourth major championship victory by winning the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, in August 2014. This win marked his second consecutive major victory in the same year, following his triumph at The Open. McIlroy shot a final round 68 to finish at 16-under-par, one shot ahead of Phil Mickelson. His thrilling win further cemented his dominance in the sport at the time, as he reaffirmed his status as the world's top-ranked golfer.

Rory McIlroy won The Players Championship on March 17, 2019, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. As one of the most prestigious tournaments outside the major championships, his victory was a significant achievement in his professional career. McIlroy shot a final round 70 to finish at 16-under-par, one stroke ahead of runner-up Jim Furyk. This victory was part of a resurgence in McIlroy's career as he was finding consistent form and contending in major events again after a few years without major wins.

On May 9, 2021, Rory McIlroy won the Wells Fargo Championship held at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. This victory was particularly noteworthy as it ended an 18-month winless streak on the PGA Tour. McIlroy shot a final round 68 to finish at 10-under-par, one stroke ahead of the field. The win marked his third title at the Wells Fargo Championship and was seen as a reassuring signal of McIlroy's return to form and competitiveness on the global stage.

Rory McIlroy regained the title of world number one on October 23, 2022, by winning the CJ Cup in South Carolina. This victory marked McIlroy's return to the top of the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time since 2020. His consistent performance throughout the year culminated in this triumph, illustrating his resilience and skill. McIlroy's determination and hard work paid off as he claimed the ranking, showcasing his ability to compete with the best at the highest level of golf.