* Rory McIlroy

Nationality: Northern Ireland
Birthplace: Holywood, Northern Ireland
Turned Pro: 2007 (plus 6)
Birthday: 05/04/1989

From the moment he recorded a 40 yard drive at the age of two, it was clear that Northern Ireland had unearthed another rare golfing gem. A glittering amateur career made way for a spectacular start to his life as a professional, culminating in him becoming the youngest player in the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking at the end of 2008 and then his European Tour breakthrough with a wire-to-wire victory in the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic. By winning in Dubai at the age of 19 and 273 days he became the sixth youngest winner in European Tour history, and youngest since Sergio Garcia triumphed a decade earlier in the Linde German Masters aged 19 and 267 days. Joined the paid ranks in 2007 after an amateur career which saw him rise to become the world's number one amateur. Played his first professional event as a 16 year old in 2005 and in the same year became the youngest winner of the prestigious West of Ireland and Irish Close Championships before representing Europe in the Junior Ryder Cup. He also shot a course record 61 at Royal Portrush Golf Club in 2005. In 2007 he reached the top of the World Amateur Rankings and caught the public eye with his superb opening three under par 68 in The Open Championship at Carnoustie, the only bogey-free round of the day. Made the cut in his first professional event and finished third in his second professional event, the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, earning enough money to assure his place in the top 115 to become the youngest and quickest Affiliate Member to secure his card, in just two events.

The qualification criteria of 2009 can be downloaded here

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