Rory McIlroy has set the European Tour alight since turning pro on 18th September 2007. Hard-hitting Rory was always destined to become a professional golfer since the moment he recorded a 40-yard drive aged just two-years-old.

His first hole in one came when he was just nine and he played in his first professional European Tour event as a 16-year-old in 2005 at The Forest of Arden.

Rory started off his passion for Golf at an early age:

• At 2 years, he hits 40 yards
• At 9 years, he chips 9 balls out of 10 in a washing machine for a media appearance
• First 'hole in one' at Holywood Golf Course at the age of 10
• Turned professional at the age of 18 and signed up with Jumeirah as main sponsor
• Becomes the seventh youngest winner in European Tour history at 19 years and 273 days
• The youngest winner of the Dubai Desert Classic, beating the previous record of David Howell, who was 23 and 236 days old in 1999
• 2009 February – Dubai Desert Classic Champion 2009 - his first professional Tournament Win 

Jumeirah & Rory McIlroy

Rory renewed his sponsorship deal with Jumeirah just in time for the opening of the Dubai Desert Classic 2010. Rory won the event for the first time in 2009 with a legion of Jumeirah and Dubai based fans supporting him every step of the way. Rory will be supported for a further 3 years by Jumeirah, the first of which in 2010 sees Rory's inaugural season on the PGA Tour. 

Jumeirah originally made Rory its Global Ambassador in September 2007 - which has since blossomed into the perfect match for both.

Rory is a richly talented, ambitious young international sportsman with the world at his feet. Competing with the best, he is a fresh natural talent. He is proud of family traditions, but at the same time eager to embrace new cultures and experiences.

Jumeirah is a company sharing his desire to be the World's No.1, growing its portfolio of luxury properties worldwide.