Never miss a thing from Belfast and beyond - sign up for FREE updates direct to your email inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

He's the current World No.1 golfer, he's won four major golf titles and all of that before he reached his 26th Birthday, which he celebrates today (May 4).

In honour of 'our Rory's' Birthday celebrations, we have come up with just 26 reasons why we love him.

1. His modesty

Despite being the World No.1 golfer a title that carries a lot of expectation AND winning four majors, Rory hasn't got carried away with himself, he has always managed to keep his feet on the ground, unlike some other pro golfers who let their fame and fortune get the better of them.

2. His curly bap

If there's one thing aside from his amazing golf skills that set our Rory aside from other golfers and that's his curly hair and we love it!

3. His relationship with his parents

Rory has made no secret of how grateful he is to his mum and dad for all the time and money they spent in his youth helping him become the best. Such is their close relationship, his mum and dad are always the first people on the course to congratulate their son after a win.

4. His charitable heart

With being World No1 golfer and winning majors comes plenty of money, but Rory hasn't been selfish in that respect. He set up the Rory Foundation to help support children’s charities big and small around the world that try to give kids that helping hand.

5. He's a winner

There's no denying our Rory's talents, you only have to look at what he has acheived in his early career. Most recently, Rory won his first WGC Match Play title with a 4&2 victory over America's Gary Woodland.

6. He's game for a laugh

Rory has never been afraid to show his humorous side, and doesn't take himself to seriously off the course. Just watch this video challenge between him and fellow pro Tiger Woods for Nike where the pair have a good bit of banter.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

7. He was determined to succeed

Video clips of a young Rory hitting golf balls into a washing machine and watching his childhood idol Tiger Woods on TV are examples of how Rory was determined to be a success and he never gave up on his dream.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

8. His love for his home country

Despite earning millions and having homes across the country, our Rory is very much a Northern Ireland lad at heart. He's proud of where he's from and when he has some free time, he will often fly home to catch up with his friends and family and even hit the local bar scene in Belfast with his mates, just like a normal 26-year-old.

9. His passion

There's no denying Rory's hunger for success or his passion to succeed in his field. He's often his biggest own biggest critic and like most sports stars, gets annoyed with himself if he feels he hasn't played his best. We love his passion for the game.

10. His physique

Our Rory has certainly 'filled out' as they would say in these parts, there's no denying the Holywood man has upped his game in the gym which he says has helped his golf game immensely. We can't deny he looks great, and just last month became the first ever golfer to grace the cover of Men's Health.

11. He can take getting beat (at arm-wrestling)

A recent video emerged of Rory taking on a young 17-year-old golfing prodigy at arm-wrestling, Rory took his beating like a man.

12. He's up for a fun challenge

Rory recently had his good friend Niall Horan from One Direction caddy for him at the Par 3 contest in Augusta, and in return Rory will take to the stage at a One Direction gig later this year to sing with them...we can't wait!

13. He won't let defeat get him down

Rory could have easily thrown in the towel following his disappointing finish at the 2011 Masters but instead he used it as motivation to go on and succeed, and has done just that!

14. He's a great ambassador for the game

Rory's not a controversial figure and isn't often seen falling out of nightclubs or hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons, which makes him the perfect role model for young people looking to take up the game.

15. He's got a pretty amazing house in Florida

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

16. He appreciates his fans

Rory always takes to his Twitter and Facebook to thank the fans that follow him all over the world and the millions of others who watch him on TV.

17. He's got some skills on the football pitch too

Rory's skills are not limited to the golf course, check out this video as he takes on Wayne Rooney in the Crossbar challenge

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

18. He's also got some skills on the tennis court...

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

19. He makes us proud to be from Northern Ireland

We love to see people from here portraying our wee country in a good light and Rory does that perfectly.

20. His role in bringing the Irish Open here

Later this month the country will go mad thanks to Rory's efforts to bring the Irish Open to Royal County Down

21. To further that, his role in putting Irish golfing on the map

Alongside Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell, the trio really have put Northern Ireland on the map when it comes to golf.

22. His relationship with his fellow Northern Irish pros

The three (Darren, Graeme and Rory) are such great friends it is wonderful to see.

23. The slip of his accent to one similar to his pal Graeme

Now Rory is very proud of his home country, but he has spent so much time in America that from time to time you can here a little slip in his accent - we love him for it though.

24. His friendship with Northern Ireland's other famous faces

He had a kick about with fellow Holywood star Jamie Dornan not long ago.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

25. He is a big Ulster Rugby fan

Again, Rory supports his own and we love him for it.

26. He celebrated his birthday in style

It has been a memorable birthday for the Holywood lad - by claiming his 10th U.S. PGA Tour win with victory at the World Golf Championships in San Francisco.