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It’s been over a decade since Rory Mcllroy stormed onto the global golf scene with his massive U.S. Open win in 2011. At just 22, the Co. Down native didn’t just win, he dominated, finishing eight shots clear of the field and setting a new scoring record in the process. It was a moment that put him firmly into the spotlight, and he’s stayed there ever since.
Since then, Rory’s gone on to build an impressive career, picking up major wins at the PGA Championship (twice) and The Open, while consistently staying near the top of the world rankings. For years, the one missing piece of the puzzle was the Masters, the final leg of the career Grand Slam that had always just slipped through his fingers.
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That changed this year, when Rory finally claimed the green jacket at Augusta National. It was a career defining moment and a hugely emotional win, not just for him but for golf fans around the world who had followed the highs and the lows of his Masters journey. With that journey, he joined an elite group of players to have won all four majors, something only achieved by five others in history.
Off the course, Rory has become a key figure in the sport’s bigger conversations. He co-founded TMRW Sports alongside Tiger Woods, an ambitious project aimed at modernising how golf is experienced, especially for younger audiences.
He’s also been one of the most vocal players during the ongoing PGA Tour and LIV Golf split. While he originally took a strong stance against LIV, he’s since softened his view, calling for unity in the sport and focusing on what’s best for the future of the game.
Away from golf, Rory’s life has changed too. He married wife Erica Stoll in 2017, and the couple welcomed their daughter Poppy in 2020.
He’s spoken about how becoming a father has helped him gain a new perspective, bringing more balance to the demands of a high-pressure career. That shift hasn’t dulled his competitive edge, but it has added a new layer to the way he approaches both wins and losses.
Looking back on his journey so far, Rory has said: “I feel like I’ve been on this journey and every year I learn something new, not just about my game but about myself.”
Now 35, McIlroy is not only one of the most successful golfers of his generation, but also one of the most respected voices in the sport. With the career Grand Slam finally complete, the next chapter of his career looks more exciting than ever!
Words by Emilia Cercel