A lot of athletes came from humble backgrounds and now they are some of the most popular ones in their respective games, and that was exactly the case with PGA Tour pro Rory McIlroy. The golfer grew up as an only child and while some people think it’s quite easy for parents to support a single child, the McIlroys had their fair share of struggles.

Despite coming from a background with struggles, Rory McIlroy’s parents never said no to his dreams of becoming a golfer. Rosie and Gerry McIlroy the golfer’s mom and dad always believed in their son’s golfing potential and made incredible sacrifices to help him shine and we don’t say this lightly.

Rosie McIlroy worked night shifts for the golfer’s dreams

There is nothing more a child can want than a supportive and devoted mom and McIlroy got exactly that. His parents saw the potential in him at quite a young age and decided to take a chance on it. However, things were not easy, to say the least. Having come from an underprivileged background the golfer’s mother, Rosie worked night shifts at the 3M factory to afford his golf lessons and competitions. “They didn’t have a lot of money and Rosie and Gerry both worked very hard and Rosie worked nights all the time to get the money together to support Rory”, said Rosie’s brother Micheal, per Belfast Telegraph. 

On the other hand, his dad was also doing the grind to make ends meet. The golfer’s father Gerry worked 100 hours a week for four years and juggled three jobs to support their son’s dreams. From cleaning showers to bartending, McIlroy’s father did it all. “I’d work from 8 am to noon as a cleaner at a sports club. From 12-6 pm, I was a bartender at Holywood Golf Club; then, after going home for tea, I’d return to the sports club from 7 pm-midnight to work behind the bar,” his dad elaborated.

The golfer recognizes the efforts his parents put into his success and it is safe to say their sacrifices didn’t go to waste as the golfer presently is one of the best in his field with four major wins and 22 PGA Tour titles.

Rory McIlroy says his parents are the ‘best people in the world’

Rory McIlroy’s historic win at the 2014 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool was extra special and for the reason you think. The golfer had won the Claret Jug at just 25 which was a feat in itself and everyone was super stoked for him, including his mom. McIlroy joined golf legends Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus as one of only three players to win three Majors at that age.

The golfer was so overwhelmed with emotion after the win and he knew his mom would also be crying tears of joy, “I was trying not to cry at the time because she was bawling her eyes out”, he said as he lifted the coveted Claret Jug. The golfer’s thoughts turned to his mom and he waved her over to share the moment. “The support of my parents has been incredible – even growing up and doing everything, the sacrifices they made for me”, he said acknowledging their sacrifices. He also elaborated how his parents are his best friends and have been there for him at his worst. “They’re there for me at the worst of times, like this time last year after missing the cut, or the best of times, walking off as the champion golfer of the year”.

Lastly, the golfer closed his winning speech by saying, “I can’t speak highly enough of my parents. They’re the best people in the world.” Many fans agree with this statement and love the golfer’s parent for the support and love they’ve shown to him. Many people don’t know but McIlroy’s mother also suffers from respiratory issues and the golfer was very concerned for her during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rory McIlroy expresses his concerns on his mother’s health issues

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when the whole world was going through the devasting disease, Rory McIlroy revealed his deep concerns for his mother’s health due to her pre-existing respiratory issues. “My mother’s got respiratory issues and I certainly don’t want to get something and pass it on to her and all of a sudden there’s some sort of complication”, he had said previously. As the world’s number one golfer at the time, McIlroy was also aware of the risks and uncertainties surrounding the virus.

The pandemic’s rapid spread led to the cancellation of the 2020 Players Championship and a three-week suspension of the PGA Tour. McIlroy supported this decision, recognizing the need to prioritize health and safety. “It’s a scary time, and I think that the PGA Tour has made a step in the right direction and I think we just have to play it by ear and take it day by day,” he continued.

McIlroy’s concerns for his mother’s well-being reflected the widespread fear and uncertainty many people experienced during the pandemic’s early stages. But as we all know, it all worked out in the end and his mother made it out of the pandemic safely. So,  what do you think about Rory McIlroy’s parents? Let us know in the comment section below!