Rory McIlroy’s Birthday: 20 Amusing Facts About PGA Tour Pro as He Turns 36, Explored

“Thank goodness that is over,” the statement from the sixth player to claim a career grand slam says a lot about the sport. With being considered an old man sport, there is a lot that goes beyond the clubs and balls. The sport tests patience, skills, and most importantly, persistence. Well, among the top names, if there is anyone who has shown persistence with the game, it is the Northern Irishman, Rory McIlroy. The golfer who achieved greatness at a young age kept on waiting for the golden memory of his lifetime for a decade.

Well, the longer the wait, the sweeter it tastes. Similar was the case with McIlroy, who won the Masters and completed his career grand slam. Now, with the celebration of his 36th birthday on May 4, 2025, the golfer has many a long list of stories.

20 interesting facts about Rory McIlroy

1. The European junior who turned heads

At the age when most golfers take the sport seriously, Rors claimed his first victory. The Northern Irishman won the 1998 Doral Junior Under-10 World Championship at the age of 9. Not only did his victory offer him a kick-start, but it also got the attention of the golf community. Gerry Kelly invited him for a television show, ‘Kelly’, to demonstrate his chipping shot into a washing machine for the audience.

2. A feat unmatched

McIlroy, with his performance, got a great boost, which continued with achieving a feat like no other. He added two victories at the age of 15, helping the golf community bet with certainty on the future top name in the making. In 2005, he won the West of Ireland Championship and the Irish Close Championship, becoming the youngest-ever winner to do so.

3. A step closer to dream victories

For the professional, it is a dream to be a part of the PGA Tour schedule. For McIlroy, his dream of achieving the career grand slam began with his victory at the 2010 Quail Hollow Championship, where he beat Phil Mickelson by four strokes.

4. The struggle behind the rising star

Gerry McIlroy, father of Rors, was a passionate golfer himself. To contribute to the journey of the golfing star, he worked multiple jobs for his training. He even worked as a bartender and cleaner to fund his junior trips, including the trip to Florida at the age of 9.

5. Mother’s moral as well as financial support

Along with father’s struggle to fund the expenses, Rory’s mother, Rosie McIlroy, also did her part in supporting him, morally as well as financially. She worked night shifts at a local factory to help cover the golf expenses for Rory McIlroy in his early years.

6. Defying the financial struggle

With his parents working extra hours to help with the financial support, McIlroy grabbed the opportunity and shined with his performance just to earn more.

By the age of 22, he became the youngest player to reach 10 million euro earnings in the European Tour.

7. Financial glory at the PGA Tour

After becoming the youngest at the European Tour, the next year he achieved the same feat at the PGA Tour. In 2012, he was the youngest to reach $10 million in career earnings at the PGA Tour.

8. 122 weeks at the top

The Northern Irishman, who continued to shine with his on course performance, was leading the ranking. On March 4, 2012, the then 23-year-old became the world no. one after winning the Honda Classic. He continued to retain his title for 122 weeks with an exceptional victory run.

9. Etching name in the history as FedEx Cup Champion

McIlroy, after his first victory in 2010, achieved 23 more by the end of 2022 season. And during this victory spree, he was the only one to win the FedEx Cup three times. He won in 2016, 2019 and 2022, making him the only player to do so.

10. Record breaking season

Being the first FedEx Cup champion, Rory created history by winning the FedEx Cup and Race to Dubai in 2022. McIlroy thus became the first golfer to win both in the same season.

11. The missing piece of the puzzle

With a long career and numerous wins, McIlroy’s void for missing victory at the Masters was unmatched. With years of attempt and close finishes, the golfer ended the drought after a decade.

In 2025, with an exceptional performance at the Masters, he won his final major title in 2025 at the playoffs, beating Justin Rose.

12. The ideal season

The Northern Irishman struggled for his final win at the major, but with his form in 2025, he showcased an unmatched feat. Out of his 6 appearance, including the Masters, he won three events, increasing his win count to 29. He is currently placed at a 17th place with his victory count, but the consistency will definitely lead to a better position by the end of season.

13. Closing to Tiger Woods earnings

Consistency is the key. This has been the motto for the golfer during his long career, as he has been staying close to the winner circle, even if not winning. Rory McIlroy, with 264 appearances, has 29 victories, 11 runner-up, 11 third place, 85 top-5 and 129 top-10 finishes. The unmatched consistency has helped him come close to Tiger Woods in official earnings. As of 2025, he has earned $104,315,998 in the PGA Tour, which ranks him second highest on the tour.

14. Personal life advancement

In 2014, with the career on rise, Rory McIlroy got engaged to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. But surprisingly, he called off the wedding soon after the invites were sent stating he was not ready for marriage.

15. Found the soul-mate

Erica Stoll helped McIlroy, who almost missed the tee time at Ryder Cup because of oversleeping. The bond that started in 2012 turned into friendship and then, in late 2014, they started dating. The golfer then married her in 2017 at Ashford Castle in Ireland.

16. The family

After three years of marriage, the Stoll and Rory welcomed their daughter, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy, in August 2020.

17. The doubts in relationship

In 2024, the pair shocked the golf world with filing a divorce. However, they reversed their decision and decided to stay together. They have been living happily post that.

18. Life of luxury

The golfer, with his extensive earning and net worth, has kept his passion for cars alive. He has a collection of luxury cars worth $1.1 million dollar which includes Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, Range Rover Sport, Lamborghini Aventador, Ferrari F430, BMW i8, i3 and more.

19. Giving back to the society

Other than just increasing the net worth, Rors has been kind enough to help the community with his initiative Rory Foundation, which helps children’s charities and youth development in Ireland and across.

20. Tech revolution for sports

The golfer not just turns head with his performance and off course charities, but has also stepped ahead in revolutionizing the sport. He has invested in numerous brand including TPG Sports, Whoop (Health-tech company), Puttery (mini-golf brand), Golf Genius (Tournament Software), TickPick (Ticket Platform) and Alpine (F1 Team)

The golfer who turned 36 has gotten back in his prime form with his appearance and new initiative to revolutionize the sport. With the years to come and many records to break, the list of facts isn’t ending anytime soon.

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