Rory McIlroy (born 4 May 1989) is a professional golfer from Northern Ireland.

McIlroy was born in Holywood, Northern Ireland, where he attended Sullivan Upper School. His home golf club is Holywood Golf Club. He started his early training with Michael Bannon, previously the Golf Professional of Holywood Golf Club, also his current coach and dedicated mentor.

McIlroy was a member of Europe's winning 2004 Junior Ryder Cup team. In 2005 he became the youngest ever winner of both the West of Ireland Championship and the Irish Close Championship. He retained the West of Ireland Championship in 2006 and followed that up with back to back wins at the Irish Close Championship. In August 2006 he won the European Amateur Championship at Biella Golf Club, near Milan, Italy. McIlroy won with the score of 274 (65-69-72-68). He won by three strokes over Englishman Stephen Lewton.