MCILROY'S MILLIONS

Holywood superstar's earnings could now put him up alongside the likes of sporting legends Roger Federer and LeBron James

- DEREK FOLEY

RORY MCILROY has become one of the world's wealthiest sports stars, after winning the US Masters a month ago.

The 36-year-old's completion of golf's Grand Slam will see his earnings rocket past the likes of controversial fighter Conor McGregor.

The golfer came from humble beginnings in Holywood, Co Down, with his parents Rosie and Gerry working extra jobs to support his fledgling career.

Now he is on the cusp of becoming a billion-dollar athlete.

His personal brand and sponsorship deals/potential currently stand somewhere in the region of €578m ($658m, £494m) while sponsorship earnings are being bracketed with icons such as Roger Federer and LeBron James, as his profile puts him in the same space as David Beckham and Lewis Hamilton in terms of global visibility.

Domestically, McIlroy sits at the head of the Irish sports rich list, which comprises (1-10) McIlroy, McGregor, Eddie Irvine, Robbie Keane, Roy Keane, Padraig Harrington, Damien Duff, AP McCoy and Shane Lowry.

After his Masters win, first he has to deal with the US taxman.