McIlroy enters golf’s history book
Only four players in European Tour history have triumphed at a younger age than Rory McIlroy, Sunday’s Dubai Desert Classic winner.
Only four players in European Tour history have won at a younger age than Rory McIlroy, who captured the Dubai Desert Classic by a stroke from Justin Rose on Sunday.
The Northern Ireland teenager is still three months away from his 20th birthday. South African Dale Hayes holds the record at 18 years 290 days, while Seve Ballesteros, Paul Way and Sergio Garcia also broke their ducks sooner than McIlroy.
Europe’s newest champion is now into the world’s top 20 as a result.
Teenagers to win on the European Tour are:
18 years 290 days Dale Hayes (1971 Spanish Open)
19 years 121 days Seve Ballesteros (1976 Dutch Open)
19 years 149 days Paul Way (1982 Dutch Open)
19 years 176 days Sergio Garcia (1999 Irish Open)
19 years 191 days Seve Ballesteros (1976 Lancome Trophy)
19 days 267 days Sergio Garcia (1999 German Masters)
19 days 273 days Rory McIlroy (2009 Dubai Desert Classic)
19 days 331 days Aaron Baddeley (2001 Holden International)
Latest
-
NewsRyder Cup day two: US open up imposing lead on Saturday
Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia kept Europe’s slim hopes alive.
-
NewsRyder Cup: Europe will have to surpass Miracle at Medinah going into singles
Padraig Harrington’s side trail 11-5 heading into Sunday’s 12 singles matches.
-
NewsJon Rahm and Sergio Garcia lead by example as Europe target improbable fightback
The United States hold a 9-3 advantage.
-
NewsBryson DeChambeau called ‘classless’ for complaints over putt not being conceded
The American did not seem happy that he had been made to putt as he laid his putter on ground after taking his shot.
-
NewsJustin Thomas and Daniel Berger hit the beer as USA take commanding lead
With the United States holding a 9-3 lead they clearly felt in the mood to get the party started as they whipped up the home fans.
-
NewsJon Rahm and Sergio Garcia carry European fight but USA build dominant 9-3 lead
Rahm and Garcia recovered from losing the first three holes to beat Koepka and Daniel Berger 3 and 1.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington defends decision to leave Rory McIlroy out of foursomes
McIlroy had played 26 straight matches since making his debut at Celtic Manor in 2010.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington still counting on Rory McIlroy despite foursomes omission
The European Ryder Cup captain indicated McIlroy would play the afternoon fourballs and said “we need him for the singles”.
-
Ryder CupRyder Cup Day 2: Can Europe fight back after USA’s dominant start?
The hosts powered into a 6-2 lead on day one at Whistling Straits to leave Padraig Harrington’s men with a mountain to climb.
-
NewsRyder Cup day one: Rory McIlroy confident Europe can recover from 6-2 down
Padraig Harrington’s side lost both sessions on the opening day 3-1 and won just one match outright.