Rory McIlroy is one of the most decorated professional golfers in the world and showed an interest in golf from a very early age.

He is currently sitting in the top four contenders to win the Masters 2023, with his odds currently sitting at 8-1. There are other contenders like Jon Ram, Cameron Smith, and Scottie Scheffer, but those masters odds are subject to change!

With an approximate net worth of $160 million - how did he get to these dizzy heights of the profession?

Rory McIlroy Early Life

Rory’s interest in the game of golf is said to have started as young as two years old - and it was his father, Gerry McIlroy, who coached him for much of his childhood. Rory was born in Holywood - but not the Hollywood you might be thinking. Instead, it was in Northern Ireland.

Rory spent most of his free time at the local golf club - and when he talks about home, this is the place he means. He joined the Holywood Golf Club at just seven years old.

At eight, he announced that he would be the greatest golfer in the world, and he is certainly making his inner child happy right now. His first big tournament was when he was nine years old, and he won the Doral Junior Publix World Under Ten Championships.

When Rory won his first senior championship at the age of 15, he was the youngest-ever winner of the Irish Amateur Close Championship.

While many people are trying to figure out their lives at 18, Rory had just turned professional.

Rory’s parents, Gerry and Rosie, put all they had into ensuring that Rory could live his dreams, and he has been quoted as saying he will never be able to repay them for everything they do, but he will make sure they never work a day in their life - and he will do everything to look after them.

Rory McIlroy joins two other golfers who also won four majors before reaching 25, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.

A Holywood Heartthrob

Rory managed to be one of the first in his sport to make the cover of a mainstream health and fitness magazine. Men’s Health magazine had Rory as their cover star in 2015 because while he takes his golf seriously - he also puts a lot of time into the gym.

Entering the sport as a curly-haired whipper-snapper, Rory transformed himself into a different beast entirely. He began working with a physiologist, Dr. Steven McGregor. It was just a few months after the pair were working together that Rory won a U.S. Open - but by an impressive margin.

McIlroy puts his body through its paces, and while there have been some comments from other golfers, he maintains that he is and always will be a golfer - not a weightlifter.

So what does Rory’s daily routine look like as a high-performing professional golfer?

• 5.30 - wake up and light food

• 6.30 - mobility and stability training, running, and a workout

• 7.30 - more food

• 9.00 - Rory hits the golf course or gets some practice in

• 12.00 - lunchtime!

• 1.30 - More practice

• 4.00 - snack time

• 4.45 - a longer and more intense workout

• 6.30 evening meal

• 10.00 - time for bed!

A tough routine but one that is built for those who have their eye on the prize.

Bumpy Moments

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for the multi-millionaire heartthrob golfer, though. There have been some very public and notable breakups, including one split happening just before the big day arrived.

Rory was also engaged in a fierce legal battle with his previous management company. In the end, McIlroy paid the agency around $26 million - he sued them when he wanted to terminate a contract signed in 2011. They counter-sued for breach of contract and damages.

Since then, McIlroy has taken management matters into his own hands and has formed Rory McIlroy INC.

Rory McIlroy’s Accolades

McIlroy has an extensive list of wins and is likely to make many more in the coming years. With his tenacity on the green and dedication to the sport - he will likely add to his totals.

• PGA Tour Victories: 23

• International victories: 9

• U.S. Open: 2011

• PGA Championship: 2012, 2014

• The Open: 2014

Major career highlights: In less than two months in 2014, Rory won two majors, the PGA Championship at Valhalla and the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool.

Other honours include Race to Dubai winner 2012, 2014, 2015, 2022; FedEx Cup winner 2016, 2019, 2022;, and Member of the European Ryder Cup Team 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2021. and Member Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup Team 2007.

McIlroy has said that he feels like his career and life are transitioning more to the U.S. - but one thing is for sure, he is still working on making himself and his parents proud, and we are likely to see more wins in the coming years.