Rory McIlroy. Jumeirah's Global Ambassador

When Jumeirah partnered with Rory McIlroy making the rising star our Global Ambassador in September 2007, we knew it was a perfect match. A richly talented, ambitious young international sportsman with the world at his feet; a company sharing his desire to be the world’s No.1, growing its portfolio of luxury properties worldwide.

From Holywood, Northern Ireland, Rory captured our hearts and the imagination of an international audience by rising to the top of the world amateur rankings, playing the game with tremendous skill and a maturity beyond his years.

Hard-hitting Rory was always destined to become a professional golfer as he started off his passion at an early age:

• He recorded a 40-yard drive aged just two-years-old
• 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 9
• His first professional European Tour event as a 16-year-old in 2005 at The Forest of Arden
• In the 2007 Open Championship, played at Carnoustie, one of the most fearsome courses in golf, Rory scored an opening three under par 68 to earn a tie for third place
• Turned professional at the age of 18 and signed up with Jumeirah as main sponsor
• Rory secured his full playing rights on the European Tour with an impressive third place finish in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
• Becomes the seventh youngest winner in European Tour history at 19 years and 273 days
• Dubai Desert Classic Champion 2009 - his first professional Tournament Win.
  The youngest winner of the Dubai Desert Classic, beating the previous record of David Howell, who was 23 and 236 days old in 1999
• Quail Hollow Championship 2010, Rory is the youngest player to win on the PGA Tour since Tiger Woods in 1996.
• US Open 2011, Rory McIlroy won his first US Open title. He led the tournament from start to finish, the first to do this since Tiger Woods in 2000. During the tournament he reached 14 under par, the lowest under-par score in US Open history. 

Executive Chairman of Jumeirah Group, Gerald Lawless said: “Rory is truly an inspiration. Since his win at Quail Hollow in the US last year and indeed his victory in the Dubai Desert Classic in 2009, he has continued to impress and inspire golf enthusiasts around the world and we are immensely proud that he carries the Jumeirah brand.”

In the pursuit of breaking new frontiers, we are proud to have a partnership with such an incredible talent and a wonderful Ambassador for Jumeirah. He has become part of the Jumeirah “family” embracing Dubai as his second home, a destination for relaxation, luxury hospitality and world-class golfing facilities.  A perfect base for rest and practice. 

For further information on Rory McIlroy, please visit http://www.rorymcilroy.com/ 

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