Golf Monthly UK – August 2019

7 Things You

Didn’t Know About

Rory McIlroy

Thought you knew everything there was

to know about Rory? Think again!

Words Neil Tappin • Illustration David Lyttleton

FINISHING

SCHOOL

McIlroywasintroducedtothegameby

hisfather,Gerry,himselfascratch

golfer.Gerryemphasisedthe

importanceofholdingthefinish

position,oneofMcIlroy’s

iconicfeatures.

PITCH

PERFECT

McIlroyisabigManchesterUnited

fan.AfterwinningTheOpenatHoylake

in2014,hewasinvitedbytheclubto

paradetheClaretJugatOldTrafford

duringhalftimeinthePremierLeague

matchagainstSwansea.

AMATEUR HOUR

Asa17-year-oldamateur,McIlroywas

goodenoughtomakethecutinthe

DubaiDesertClassic,finishingtiedfor

52nd.Hadhebeenaprofessional,

McIlroywouldhavewonalmost

€8,000.Hemadetheswitch

laterthatyearoffa+6

handicap.