Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy addresses the crowd's presence after Round One of The 2025 Open Championship

Rory McIlroy attended the Association of Golf Writers dinner on Tuesday evening and was decked out in green — Masters green.

Golf Digest's Jamie Kennedy revisited this rather improbable story, which contributed to the legend of Rory McIlroy, a gifted youngster like Tiger Woods

Here's what to know about McIlroy's roots, from his hometown and upbringing, to his young golf career before he emerged as one of the best players in the world. McIlroy was born in Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland in 1989. His father was also from Holywood, while his mother was from Lurgan, County Armagh.

McIlroy didn't play his best Thursday at Royal Portrush but shot 1-under 70 and is three shots off the 18-hole lead.

Rory McIlroy entered the 2025 Scottish Open needing to regain the top-tier form he flashed earlier in the year when he won three tournaments, including the Masters, which secured his career grand slam.

Rory McIlroy shares the lead at the Genesis Scottish Open and says he's nearly back to his Masters-winning form.

Six years ago at Royal Portrush, McIlroy, who grew up less than an hour away, hit his opening shot out of bounds on the par-4 first on his way to a quadruple-bogey 8 and a 79. He pulled his tee shot again, this time around, but it settled safely in the left rough.

Home favourite Rory McIlroy achieved the first part of his mission at Royal Portrush on Friday -- making the cut.