Rory McIlroy has already had himself a legendary career – establishing himself as the greatest golfer to ever hail from Northern Ireland. Having been on the PGA Tour for 15 years now, he’s old enough to be considered a veteran – but at just 34 years old, young enough to still have much more left in the tank.
McIlroy turned pro in 2007 and established himself on the European Tour following a successful amateur career. He joined the PGA Tour in 2009 and embarked on what has been an incredible 15 years – evidenced by 37 professional wins, including 24 wins on the PGA Tour and 16 wins on the European Tour.
He has spent 122 weeks ranked as the No. 1 golfer in the world, which is currently the fourth-most all-time – behind Dustin Johnson (135), Greg Norman (331), and Tiger Woods (683). He’s a 3-time PGA Tour Player of the Year, 3-time European Tour Player of the Year, and 3-time FedEx Cup Champion.
Rory McIlroy Now Has 30 Career Top-10 Major Finishes
Aside from his success on the PGA Tour and European Tour, Rory McIlroy has played some of his best golf when the lights shine the brightest. He has appeared in 59 major championships over the past 17 years and has won four of them – the PGA Championship twice, U.S. Open once, and The Open once.
And while he hasn’t won a major championship since 2014, he has made a living in the top-5 and top-10 – including 10 top-5 finishes and 20 top-10 finishes since his last major win. His most recent finish at the 2023 The Open Championship (tied-6th) was his 30th career top-10 finish in a major championship.
For those that aren’t aware, 30 top-10 major finishes is a huge accomplishment for any golfer and one that doesn’t happen very often – only a handful of golfers have that many. To honor and embrace his incredible achievement, let’s take a look back at all 30 of his top-10 finishes in a major championship.
1. 2009 U.S. Open
Rory McIlroy Finish: 282 / +2 / T-10th
Winner: Lucas Glover at 276 (-4)
The 2009 U.S. Open was the 109th edition of the event and was held between June 18 and June 22 at Bethpage State Park (Black Course) in Farmingdale, New York. Rory McIlroy shot a 72 (+2) in the first round, a 70 (E) in the second round, a 72 (+2) in the third round, and a 68 (-2) in the final round to end the tournament with a 282 (+2) – he was in a six-way tie for 10th place and earned $154,600 in winnings.
2. 2009 PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy Finish: 285 / -3 / T-3rd
Winner: Yang Yong-eun at 280 (-8)
The 2009 PGA Championship was the 91st edition of the event and was held between August 13 and August 16 at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. Rory McIlroy shot a 71 (-1) in the first round, a 73 (+1) in the second round, a 71 (-1) in the third round, and a 70 (-2) in the final round to end the tournament with a 285 (-3) – he was in a two-way tie for third place and earned $435,000.
3. 2010 The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy Finish: 280 / -8 / T-3rd
Winner: Louis Oosthuizen at 272 (-16)
The 2010 British Open was the 139th edition of the event and was held between July 15 and July 18 at the Old Course at St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland. Rory McIlroy shot a 63 (-9) in the first round, an 80 (+8) in the second round, a 69 (-3) in the third round, and a 68 (-4) in the fourth round to end the tournament with a 280 (-8) – giving up a 2-shot lead after the first round, but still finishing in a 3-way tie for 3rd place.
4. 2010 PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy Finish: 278 / -10 / T-3rd
Winner: Martin Kaymer at 277 (-11)
The 2010 PGA Championship was the 92nd edition of the event and was held between August 12 and August 15 at Whistling Straits (Straits Course) in Haven, Wisconsin. Rory McIlroy shot a 71 (-1) in the first round, a 68 (-4) in the second round, a 67 (-5) in the third round, and a 72 (E) in the final round to end the tournament with a 278 (-10) – he was in a two-way tie for third place and earned himself $435,000.
5. 2011 U.S. Open
Rory McIlroy Finish: 268 / -16 / 1st
Winner: Rory McIlroy by 8 strokes (first major win)
The 2011 U.S. Open was the 111th edition of the event and was held between June 16 and June 19 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. Rory McIlroy shot a 65 (-6) in the first round, 66 (-5) in the second round, 68 (-3) in the third round, and 69 (-2) in the final round to end the tournament with a 268 (-6) – he beat Jason Day by eight strokes and earned the first of four major wins in his career.
6. 2012 PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy Finish: 275 / -13 / 1st
Winner: Rory McIlroy by 8 strokes (second major win)
The 2012 PGA Championship was the 94th edition of the event and was held between August 9 and August 12 at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Ocean Course) in South Carolina. Rory McIlroy shot a 67 (-5) in the first round, 75 (+3) in the second round, 67 (-5) in the third round, and 66 (-6) in the final round to end the weekend at 275 (-13) – he won by 8 strokes and earned the second of four major wins in his career.
7. 2013 PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy Finish: 277 / -3 / T-8th
Winner: Jason Dufner at 270 (-10)
The 2013 PGA Championship was the 95th edition of the event and was held between August 8 and August 11 at Oak Hill Country Club (East Course) in Pittsford, New York. Rory McIlroy shot a 69 (-1) in the first round, a 71 (+1) in the second round, a 67 (-3) in the third round, and a 70 (E) in the final round to end the tournament with a 277 (-3) – he was in a four-way tie for 8th place and earned himself $206,250.
8. 2014 Masters Tournament
Rory McIlroy Finish: 288 / E / T-8th
Winner: Bubba Watson at 280 (-8)
The 2014 Masters Tournament was the 78th edition of the event and was held between April 10 and April 13 at August National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Rory McIlroy shot a 71 (-1) in the first round, a 77 (+5) in the second round, a 71 (-1) in the third round, and a 69 (-3) in the final round to end the tourney with a 288 (E) – he was in a six-way tie for 8th place and was 8 shots off the lead, but won $234,000.
9. 2014 The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy Finish: 271 / -17 / 1st
Winner: Rory McIlroy by 2 strokes (third major win)
The 2014 British Open was the 143rd edition of the event and was held between July 17 and July 20 at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Merseyside, England. Rory McIlroy shot a 66 (-6) in the first round, 66 (-6) in the second round, 68 (-4) in the third round, and 71 (-1) in the final round to end the tournament with a 271 (-17) – he beat Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garcia by 2 strokes and earned his 3rd career major win.
10. 2014 PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy Finish: 268 / -16 / 1st
Winner: Rory McIlroy by 1 stroke (fourth major win)
The 2014 PGA Championship was the 96th edition of the event and was held between August 7 and August 10 at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. Rory McIlroy shot a 66 (-5) in the first round, 67 (-4) in the second round, 67 (-4) in the third round, and a 68 (-3) in the final round to end the tournament with a 268 (-16) – he beat Phil Mickelson by one stroke and won his fourth and most recent major.
11. 2015 Masters Tournament
Rory McIlroy Finish: 276 / -12 / 4th
Winner: Jordan Spieth at 270 (-18)
The 2015 Masters Tournament was the 79th edition of the event and was held between April 9 and April 12 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Rory McIlroy shot a 71 (-1) in the first round, a 71 (-1) in the second round, a 68 (-4) in the third round, and a 66 (-6) in the final round to end the tournament with a 276 (-12) – he was six shots behind the leader, but finished in 4th place and earned $480,000.
12. 2015 U.S. Open
Rory McIlroy Finish: 280 / E / T-9th
Winner: Jordan Spieth at 275 (-5)
The 2015 U.S. Open was the 115th edition of the event and was held between June 18 and June 21 at Chambers Bay in University Place, Washington. Rory McIlroy shot a 72 (+2) in the first round, a 72 (+2) in the second round, a 70 (E) in the third round, and a 66 (-4) in the final round to end the tournament with a 280 (E) – he was five shots off the lead and finished in a three-way tie for 9th place (he won $235,316).
13. 2016 Masters Tournament
Rory McIlroy Finish: 289 / +1 / T-10th
Winner: Danny Willett at 283 (-5)
The 2016 Masters Tournament was the 80th edition of the event and was held between April 7 and April 10 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Rory McIlroy shot a 70 (-2) in the first round, 71 (-1) in the second round, 77 (+5) in the third round, and 71 (-1) in the final round to end the tournament with a 289 (+1) – he was six shots off the lead and finished in a five-way tie for 10th place ($230,000).
14. 2016 The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy Finish: 280 / -4 / T-5th
Winner: Henrik Stenson at 264 (-20)
The 2016 British Open was the 145th edition of the event and was held between July 14 and July 17 at Royal Troon Golf Club in Ayrshire, Scotland. Rory McIlroy shot a 69 (-2) in the first round, 71 (E) in the second round, 73 (+2) in the third round, and a 67 (-4) in the final round to end the tournament with a 280 (-4) – he was 16 shots off the lead and finished in a three-way tie for fifth place (he won $235,667).
15. 2017 Masters Tournament
Rory McIlroy Finish: 285 / -3 / T-7th
Winner: Sergio Garcia at 279 (-9)
The 2017 Masters Tournament was the 81st edition of the event and was held between April 6 and April 9 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Rory McIlroy shot a 72 (E) in the first round, 73 (+1) in the second round, 71 (-1) in the third round, and 69 (-3) in the final round to end the tournament with a 285 (-3) – he was six shots off the lead and finished in a two-way tie for 7th place (he won $354,750).
16. 2017 The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy Finish: 275 / -5 / T-4th
Winner: Jordan Spieth at 268 (-12)
The 2017 British Open was the 146th edition of the event and was held between July 20 and July 23 at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England. Rory McIlroy shot a 71 (+1) in the first round, 68 (-2) in the second round, 69 (-1) in the third round, and a 67 (-3) in the final round to end the tournament with a 275 (-5) – he was seven shots off the lead and finished in a two-way tie for 4th place (he won $480,000).
17. 2018 Masters Tournament
Rory McIlroy Finish: 279 / -9 / T-5th
Winner: Patrick Reed at 273 (-15)
The 2018 Masters Tournament was the 82nd edition of the event and was held between April 5 and April 8 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Rory McIlroy shot a 69 (-3) in the first round, 71 (-1) in the second round, 65 (-7) in the third round, and a 74 (+2) in the final round to end the tourney with a 279 (-9) – he was six shots off the lead and finished in a four-way tie for 5th place (he won $386,375).
18. 2018 The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy Finish: 278 / -6 / T-2nd
Winner: Francesco Molinari at 276 (-8)
The 2018 British Open was the 147th edition of the event and was held between July 19 and July 22 at Carnoustie Golf Links in Angus, Scotland. Rory McIlroy shot a 69 (-2) in the first round, a 69 (-2) in the second round, a 70(-1) in the third round, and a 70 (-1) in the final round to end the tournament with a 278 (-6) – he was two shots off the lead and finished in a four-way tie for 2nd place (he earned $694,250).
19. 2019 PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy Finish: 281 / +1 / T-8th
Winner: Brooks Koepka at 272 (-8)
The 2019 PGA Championship was the 101st edition of the event and was held between May 16 and May 19 at Bethpage State Park (Black Course) in Farmingdale, New York. Rory McIlroy shot a 72 (+2) in the first round, 71 (+1) in the second round, 69 (-1) in the third round, and 69 (-1) in the final round to end the tournament with a 281 (+1) – he was nine shots off the lead and finished in a six-way tie for 8th place.
20. 2019 U.S. Open
Rory McIlroy Finish: 279 / -5 / T-9th
Winner: Gary Woodland at 271 (-13)
The 2019 U.S. Open was the 119th edition of the event and was held between June 13 and June 16 at Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California. Rory McIlroy shot a 68 (-3) in the first round, 69 (-2) in the second round, 70 (-1) in the third round, and 70 (-1) in the fourth round to end the tournament with a 279 (-5) – he was eight shots off the lead and finished in a three-way tie for 9th place ($288,715).
21. 2020 U.S. Open
Rory McIlroy Finish: 286 / +6 / T-8th
Winner: Bryson DeChambeau at 274 (-6)
The 2020 U.S. Open was the 120th edition of the event and was held between September 17 and September 20 at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York. Rory McIlroy shot a 67 (-3) in the first round, 76 (+6) in the second round, 68 (-2) in the third round, and 75 (+5) in the final round to end with a 286 (+6) – he was 12 shots off the lead and finished in a five-way tie for 8th place ($302,236).
22. 2020 Masters Tournament
Rory McIlroy Finish: 277 / -11 / T-5th
Winner: Dustin Johnson at 268 (-20)
The 2020 Masters Tournament was the 84th edition of the event and was held between November 12 and November 15 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Rory McIlroy shot a 75 (+3) in the first round, a 66 (-6) in the second round, a 67 (-5) in the third round, and a 69 (-3) in the final round to end the tourney with a 277 (-11) – he was nine shots off the lead and finished in a two-way tie for fifth place.
23. 2021 U.S. Open
Rory McIlroy Finish: 283 / -1 / T-7th
Winner: Jon Rahm at 278 (-6)
The 2021 U.S. Open was the 121st edition of the event and was held between June 17 and June 20 at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California. Rory McIlroy shot a 70 (-1) in the first round, 73 (+2) in the second round, 67 (-4) in the third round, and 73 (+2) in the final round to end the tournament with a 283 (-1) – he was five shots off the lead and finished in a six-way tie for 7th place (he won $306,893).
24. 2022 Masters Tournament
Rory McIlroy Finish: 281 / -7 / 2nd
Winner: Scottie Scheffler at 278 (-10)
The 2022 Masters Tournament was the 86th edition of the event and was held between April 7 and April 10 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Rory McIlroy shot a 73 (+1) in the first round, a 73 (+1) in the second round, 71 (-1) in the third round, and a 64 (-8) in the final round to end the tournament with a 281 (-7) – he was 3 shots off the lead and finished in sole possession of 2nd place ($1.62 million).
25. 2022 PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy Finish: 278 / -2 / 8th
Winner: Justin Thomas at 275 (-5)
The 2022 PGA Championship was the 104th edition of the event and was held between May 19 and May 22 at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Rory McIlroy shot a 65 (-5) in the first round, a 71 (+1) in the second round, a 74 (+4) in the third round, and a 68 (-2) in the final round to end the tourney with a 278 (-2) – he was three shots off the lead and finished in sole possession of 8th place ($436,600).
26. 2022 U.S. Open
Rory McIlroy Finish: 278 / -2 / T-5th
Winner: Matt Fitzpatrick at 274 (-6)
The 2022 U.S. Open was the 122nd edition of the event and was held between June 16 and June 19 at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. Rory McIlroy shot a 67 (-3) in the first round, a 69 (-1) in the second round, a 73 (+3) in the third round, and a 69 (-1) in the final round to end the tournament with a 278 (-2) – he was four shots off the lead and finished in a two-way tie for fifth place (he won $674,953).
27. 2022 The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy Finish: 270 / -18 / 3rd
Winner: Cameron Smith at 268 (-20)
The 2022 British Open was the 150th edition of the event and was held between July 14 and July 17 at the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland. Rory McIlroy shot a 66 (-6) in the first round, 68 (-4) in the second round, 66 (-6) in the third round, and 70 (-2) in the final round to end the tournament with a 270 (-18) – he was two shots off the lead and finished in sole possession of third place (he won $933,000).
28. 2023 PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy Finish: 278 / -2 / T-7th
Winner: Brooks Koepka at 271 (-9)
The 2023 PGA Championship was the 105th edition of the event and was held between May 18 and May 21 at Oak Hill Country Club (East Course) in Pittsford, New York. Rory McIlroy shot a 71 (+1) in the first round, 69 (-1) in the second round, 69 (-1) in the third round, and 69 (-1) in the final round to end the tourney with a 278 (-2) – he was seven shots off the lead and finished in a two-way tie for 7th place.
29. 2023 U.S. Open
Rory McIlroy Finish: 271 / -9 / 2nd
Winner: Wyndham Clark at 270 (-10)
The 2023 U.S. Open was the 123rd edition of the event and was held between June 15 and June 18 at Los Angeles Country Club (North Course) in LA. Rory McIlroy shot a 65 (-5) in the first round, 67 (-3) in the second round, 69 (-1) in the third round, and a 70 (E) in the final round to end the tournament with a 271 (-9) – he was one shot off the lead and finished in sole possession of 2nd place ($2.16 million).
30. 2023 The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy Finish: 278 / -6 / T-6th
Winner: Brian Harman at 271 (-13)
The 2023 British Open was the 151st edition of the event and was held between July 20 and July 23 at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Merseyside, England. Rory McIlroy shot a 71 (E) in the first round, a 70 (-1) in the second round, a 69 (-2) in the third round, and a 68 (-3) in the final round to end the tournament with a 278 (-6) – he was seven shots off the lead and finished in a two-way tie for 6th place ($551,250).
What’s Next for Rory McIlroy?
If Rory McIlroy stays healthy and still has the drive to compete, we very well could see him on the PGA Tour for another 10 years before he starts to mull retirement – or a transition to PGA Tour Champions, where he would likely dominate. So, what’s next for Rory McIlroy? With that much time, what isn’t next?
First thing’s first – he needs to win the Masters Tournament and earn himself a Green Jacket. He was runner-up in 2022, has four top-5 finishes, and seven top-10 finishes in the event since making his first appearance in 2009. Aside from that runner-up finish, he has missed the cut in 2 of the past 3 years.
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Other notable accomplishments that would continue to set him apart from most of the pack would be his 50th professional win (he’s at 37 right now) and his 30th win on the PGA Tour (he’s currently at 24). It would also be nice to see him back at world No. 1 at some point and hopefully win some more majors!
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