As news breaks that world No. 2 Rory McIlroy has decided to part ways with his current management group, let’s take a look back at some of the notable moments in the career of the 24-year-old, as well as some of the off-the-course changes that precipitated them:
September 2007: Following a successful amateur golf career, McIlroy turns professional at age 18. Upon turning pro, he signs a representation deal with International Sports Management, headed by Chubby Chandler. He would go on to earn his European Tour card for 2008 thanks to a pair of top-five finishes at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and Open de Madrid.
February 2009: At age 19, McIlroy notches his first career European Tour victory, a one-shot win over Justin Rose at the Dubai Desert Classic.
May 2010: The Ulsterman records his first PGA Tour victory, claiming the Wells Fargo Championship by one stroke after firing a 10-under 62 in the final round.
June 2011: At age 22, McIlroy wins the U.S. Open at Congressional by eight shots for his first career major, setting new records for total aggregregate score and score in relation to par in the process.
October 2011: In news that comes as a surprise to many in the golf world, McIlroy breaks ties with Chandler and ISM, signing instead with Conor Ridge of Horizon Sports Management, who count among their clients fellow Northern Irishman and major champion Graeme McDowell.
March 2012: McIlroy holds off a hard-charging Tiger Woods to claim the Honda Classic at PGA National, in the process becoming the second-youngest player to achieve the world No. 1 ranking.
August 2012: McIlroy wins his second major in another romp, triumphing at Kiawah Island by eight shots to claim the PGA Championship. It is the most notable of the five PGA Tour wins the Ulsterman would record in 2012.
December 2012: Having already won the money titles on both the PGA Tour and European Tour for the 2012 season and with the No. 1 ranking firmly in his grasp, McIlroy was named PGA Tour Player of the Year. He was also voted the European Tour Golfer of the Year and PGA Player of the Year for 2012, in addition to winning the Vardon Trophy for lowest scoring average on the PGA Tour.
January 2013: After weeks of swirling rumors about his plans to leave equipment manufacturer Titleist, McIlroy signed an endorsement contract with Nike reported to be in the $200-$250 million range. In his first start with Nike clubs and apparel, McIlroy misses the cut at the European Tour’s HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship.
March 2013: In defense of his Honda title, McIlroy walks off the golf course during the second round, withdrawing abruptly after just nine holes. He would later cite tooth pain as the reason for the withdrawal but added the following week that leaving the course prematurely was a ‘mistake.’
March 2013: After wins at both Doral and Bay Hill, Woods unseats McIlroy for the top spot in the world rankings.
May 2013: Still in search of his first victory of 2013, McIlroy announces plans to leave Ridge and HSM, instead creating his own company to internalize all of his business affairs.