Rory McIlroy is one of the biggest stars in the game of golf today. Having claimed his third major championship with a wire-to-wire victory at the Open Championship this past weekend, the 25-year-old native of Holywood, Northern Ireland has moved up to No. 2 in the world rankings (behind Adam Scott). McIlroy is the third youngest player to capture three of the four major titles. The two players who completed this feat at a younger age were Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, who combine for a total of 32 major championships. McIlroy turned pro in 2007 at the age of 18. Two years later, he joined the PGA TOUR. Of his 81 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, he has won seven of them and finished second or third eight times. He has posted 34 top-10 finishes. Over the last two years, he has made the cut all but two times in 27 events. He has won over $18.5 million dollars on the PGA TOUR. Here is a top to McIlroy’s greatest moments:
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10. Turning pro
After a superb amateur career, McIlroy decided to turn pro on Sept. 18, 2007 at the age of 18.
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9. First PGA TOUR win
In 2010, he claimed his first win on the PGA TOUR by winning the Quail Hollow Championship. He shot a final-round 62 to secure the victory.
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8. 2010 Open Championship
On his way to finishing tied for third at the 2010 Open Championship, McIlroy carded a record-tying nine-under 63 in the first round.
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7. His first pro win
His first pro win came at the Dubai Desert Classic in 2009 when he topped Justin Rose by one stroke.
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6. Claims third at second pro event
After turning pro at the age of 18, McIlroy wasted little time making a name for himself as he finished in third place at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship (his second professional event).
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5. 2012 PGA Championship
McIlroy claimed the 2012 PGA Championship with an eight-stroke victory. This was the largest margin of victory in event history.
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4. 2014 Open Championship
McIlroy posted a wire-to-wire victory at the 2014 Open Championship. He won the event by two strokes and finished 17 strokes under par.
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3. 2011 U.S. Open
McIlroy won his first major championship with an eight-stroke victory at the 2011 U.S. Open. He was 22 years old at the time and became the youngest player to win the event in nearly 90 years.
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2. World No. 1
McIlroy ascended to the top of the golf world by becoming the world’s No. 1 after his victory at the 2012 Honda Classic. He was the second-youngest player to reach the top ranking, behind Tiger Woods.
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1. 2012 PGA TOUR Player of the Year
McIlroy won the 2012 PGA TOUR Player of the Year award. He became the second player in history to lead the PGA TOUR and the European Tour in earnings in the same year. He won four PGA events in 2012.
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