Personal Life
McIlroy, a Roman Catholic, has self-identified as British and carries a British passport, although he usually shows reluctance to be drawn into a debate on his nationality. In 2012, he expressed an interest in representing Great Britain (as opposed to Ireland) at the 2016 Olympic games, where golf will become an Olympic event for the first time since 1904. However in January 2013, McIlroy was considering the options of playing for Britain or Ireland or not playing at all, stating; "I just think being from where we're from, we're placed in a very difficult position. I feel Northern Irish and obviously being from Northern Ireland you have a connection to Ireland and a connection to the UK. If I could and there was a Northern Irish team I'd play for Northern Ireland. Play for one side or the other - or not play at all because I may upset too many people… Those are my three options I'm considering very carefully."
McIlroy lived near the village of Moneyreagh in County Down, about 20 minutes from Belfast. The land around his home included a custom-made practice facility, as well as a scaled-down football pitch. In September 2012, the house was put up for sale for a price of £2 million. In December 2012, McIlroy purchased a $10 million property in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, located close to Jack Nicklaus' The Bear Club Golf Course.
McIlroy is an Ambassador for UNICEF Ireland and made his first visit to Haiti with UNICEF in June 2011.
His great uncle Joe McIlroy was killed by the Ulster Volunteer Force in a sectarian attack at his east Belfast home in November 1972. McIlroy has been dating Danish tennis professional Caroline Wozniacki since 2011. He is a fan of Premier League team Manchester United.
McIlroys main sporting passion outside of Golf is for the Ulster Rugby Team. He often interrupts his busy golfing schedule to attend matches at Ravenhill, Belfast.
McIlroy was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2012 New Year Honours for services to sport.
Read more about this topic: Rory Mc Ilroy
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