Rory McIlroy's wild transformation from his first Ryder Cup in 2010 to now – see photos

Rory McIlroy looks almost unrecognisable compared to his early days when he first competed in the Ryder Cup in 2010 with his signature jet-black curls

Rory McIlroy in pink top on the third tee during Thursday practice round prior to the Ryder Cup 2025 at Black Course at Bethpage State Park Golf Course

September 26, 2025Sep 26, 2025, 6:47 PM GMT+1

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When 21-year-old Rory McIlroy made his debut on the European Ryder Cup team in 2010, his enthusiasm was notably muted. The rising star even referred to the event as an exhibition, admitting it didn’t hold much importance for him at the time. "I got into that team room at Celtic Manor [in 2010], and I just saw how much it meant to everyone," he shared during a press conference on Thursday. "I was like, maybe I got this wrong." The now 36-year-old is currently gearing up for the Ryder Cup on Friday.

Rory has played for Europe during the competition in every edition from 2010 to 2023, with Europe winning in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2023. "I feel at times in the Ryder Cup, I have engaged too much with that, too much with the crowd," he admitted. "But then there’s times where I haven’t engaged enough. So, it’s really just trying to find the balance of using that energy from the crowd to fuel your performance."

Rory McIlroy in purple top sits for a media interview prior to the Ryder Cup 2025 — Rory McIlroy e sits for a media interview prior to the Ryder Cup 2025

As the Northern Irish golfer prepares to take centre stage in the sporting world once again, HELLO! takes a closer look at his evolution – from his Ryder Cup debut in 2010 to the seasoned champion he is today.

Rory McIIroy's transformation

Rory McIlroy popping open a bottle of champagne wearing a purple sweater vest layered over a crisp white polo shirt.

Rory McIlroy at 21 years old

2010

A youthful Rory McIlroy, with his signature black curls, marked his 2010 Ryder Cup victory by popping open a bottle of champagne. The rising star sported a purple sweater vest layered over a crisp white polo shirt.

Rory McIlroy in black suit on the red carpet before the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award at Odyssey Arena

The golfer in 2015

2015

In a refreshing departure from his usual sporting attire, Rory McIlroy turned heads on the red carpet in 2015 ahead of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards at the Odyssey Arena. He looked sharp in a sleek black suit paired with a bold purple shirt.

Rory McIlroy in gray jumper and black pants on Jimmy Fallon show

Rory appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

2019

Sporting a shorter haircut in contrast to his trademark long curls, Rory McIlroy appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He kept it casual yet stylish in a gray jumper layered over a black shirt.

Rory McIlroy hits his tee shot on the second hole during the third round of the Hero World Challenge at Albany Golf Course

Rory McIlroy during the Hero World Challenge

2021

Captured in his element, Rory McIlroy lined up his approach shot on the first hole during the third round of the Hero World Challenge at Albany Golf Course in Nassau. The champion opted for an all-blue ensemble.

2025

Rory reacted on the third tee during the Friday morning foursomes matches of the 2025 Ryder Cup at Black Course at Bethpage State Park Golf Course. He sported a pale blue polo with navy pants.