Rory McIlroy Has Quietly Done Something No One Else Has
December 17, 2025, Jupiter, Florida, USA: Rory McIlroy arrives at the inaugural Optum Golf Channel Games at Trump National Golf Club Jupiter. Jupiter USA - ZUMAw109 20251217_fap_w109_013 Copyright: xDebbyxWongx
December 17, 2025, Jupiter, Florida, USA: Rory McIlroy arrives at the inaugural Optum Golf Channel Games at Trump National Golf Club Jupiter. Jupiter USA - ZUMAw109 20251217_fap_w109_013 Copyright: xDebbyxWongx
Rory McIlroy views 2025 as the year when his dreams were fulfilled, but he has been among the elites of the game since more than a decade now.
While the 36-year-old completed his career Grand Slam with a Masters win in April 2025, he has been among the OWGR top 16 since 2010, a feat that no other golfer can boast of.
An X update from Kyle Porter cited DataGolf's statistics to deduce that the last time McIlroy was outside the world’s top 16 was in November 2009, which displays how consistently he has stayed near the top of the game.
Rory McIlroy first broke into the OWGR top 10 in November 2009 and has since spent more than 100 weeks as world No. 1.
Over the years, he has maintained that level, including a long stretch inside the top 15 that ended in August 2021. After finishing tied for 43rd at seven under 13 shots behind playoff winner Tony Finau, McIlroy slipped one spot to No. 16.
As golf stats tracker Nosferatu noted, it was his first time outside the top 15 since he first reached that level in November 2009, during his second full season as a professional.
Since that drop, McIlroy has stayed inside the world’s top 16 for more than a decade, and with his ranking back in the spotlight, the focus now shifts to his current form and results.
Rory McIlroy’s Decorated Career So Far
Rory McIlroy has 45 professional wins, including 29 on the PGA Tour and 20 on the DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour). That total includes five major titles, with McIlroy completing the career Grand Slam by winning the 2025 Masters.
His major championship victories include the U.S. Open in 2011, the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014, The Open Championship in 2014, and the Masters in 2025.
Beyond the majors, McIlroy has also delivered in season-long events, winning the FedEx Cup in 2016, 2019, and 2022.
McIlroy has also claimed the Race to Dubai seven times, including a run of four straight titles from 2022 to 2025. In addition, he has won The Players Championship twice, in 2019 and 2025.
Written by
Aditi Singh
Edited by
Souvik Roy