Inside Rory McIlroy’s glow up because the Masters champ swapped his unruly curls and ill-fitting polos for a recent trim and smooth sportswear

When Rory McIlroy entered the fiercely competitive golfing scene, he had curly hair, a huge smile and a dream of becoming one of the best golfers of all time.

Now, 33 years after his father bought him his first plastic golf clubs when he was two years old, Rory, from Holywood, Northern Ireland, has gone on to win the Masters.

This has led to the 35-year-old becoming the sixth golfer in history – alongside Tiger Woods – to complete a Grand Slam after attempting to achieve the prestigious title for 11 years, and was seen emotionally hugging his wife of eight years, Erica Stoll and their daughter, Poppy. 

Coming from humble beginnings, Rory was raised working class and his family would often have to make sacrifices to afford his training and competition fees. 

But this seems to have only made him hungrier for success, as his skills have progressed to that of a golfing legend, along with his appearance.

When Rory was first starting to make a name for himself, he often opted to don ill-fitting, vibrant striped polo shirts.

But now he is often snapped wearing flattering tailored outfits that exude confidence and maturity, along with a new handsome haircut and shiny white smile. 

Here, experts reveal how the Masters champ has switched up his look to match his phenomenal career success… 

Youthful, glowy skin and weight loss

When comparing old and new photos, the Irishman looks almost unrecognisable since he first stepped on a golf course as a young teenager with a paler complexion.

Dr. Thuva Amuthanm, founder of Dr. Derme, a skincare and aesthetic clinic located in Birmingham and London, said Rory’s glow up is a ‘great example of how grooming, professional treatments, and natural maturity can come together for a refreshed but authentic look.’

He told FEMAIL that Rory’s overall appearance has become ‘noticeably refined’ and believes this could be a result of non-surgical aesthetic treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers and even medical grade skincare to boost hydration. 

‘There’s a visible improvement in the tone and clarity of his skin,’ Dr. Amuthanm said.

‘As a professional golfer, Rory spends a lot of time in the sun, which puts him at higher risk of UV-related skin damage, pigmentation, and freckling – particularly as he has fair skin.’

The expert said that Rory may have invested in the wellbeing of his skin by wearing medical grade SPF 50, vitamin C and retinoids, which can help ‘target pigmentation and boost radiance’.

However, Rory may have also used skin boosters such as Profhilo or polynucleotides, which can hydrate and improve skin elasticity.

Chemical peels and laser treatments can also help smooth texture, reduce freckles and brighten tone in sun-exposed skin, according to Dr. Amuthanm. 

‘His personal styling has matured alongside his aesthetic look,’ the dermatological expert added. 

‘His facial grooming is more deliberate, and he’s moved towards a more tailored, sleek look in terms of fashion and hair – which all contributes to the perception of a glow up.

‘There’s no confirmed aesthetic work, but the combination of targeted skin treatments, better grooming, and cosmetic dental work can make a big difference. 

‘He doesn’t look drastically altered – just fresher, more polished, and in control of his image, which is very on-trend for high-profile male figures.’

Dr Vincent Wong, facial aesthetics doctor at Omniere clinic in London, also believes that Rory’s skin looks tighter, more even-toned, and refreshed.

The expert said that he may have explored advanced skin treatments such as Sylfirm X, which combines radiofrequency energy with microneedling to target skin laxity, uneven texture, and redness. 

‘By stimulating collagen and elastin production, Sylfirm X firms and revitalises the skin without adding volume or altering natural features—ideal for subtle, natural-looking results,’ Dr. Wong said, adding that Rory may have also had Botox to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.

Dr. Wong also added that Rory has shed weight over the years in a bid to tone up and has worked hard to maintain a leaner, built physique.  

A bright white (and expensive) smile  

Rory could not stop grinning after winning the Masters, showing off his perfect, pearly white smile. 

Dr. Amuthanm believes that his teeth look significantly more brighter and symmetrical than in previous years, which could be as a result of shelling out thousands of pounds to invest in his smile.

‘This is likely down to professional whitening and possibly composite bonding or veneers, which are subtle but effective ways to improve overall facial harmony,’ Dr. Amuthanm said. 

Veneers are thin, custom shells usually made from porcelain or resin that are bonded to the surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. 

It is an irreversible procedure that many celebrities have adopted, with Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus and Hilary Duff all thought to have shelled out for veneers, which can cost around £500 to £1,500 per tooth.

Trading his signature curls for a fresh trim  

One of the biggest alterations in Rory’s appearance is his new short brunette haircut, which has framed his fair nicely, showing off his sharp jawline. 

Those who remember his early golfing days will be able to recall his signature youthful curly long locks of hair.  

Dr. Amuthanm said that his tresses look much fuller and better styled compared to younger days when they were rather untamed and unruly. 

‘He may be using medical treatments like finasteride or minoxidil to support hair growth or potentially a hair transplant, which is common among high-profile men seeking to maintain a youthful hairline,’ he said. 

‘I also think his updated hair styling plays a big role. He’s opted for a more tailored and volumised cut that complements his facial structure – a clear shift from his youthful, looser curls.’ 

His striking style evolution  

Looking back on old pictures of Rory, it is clear that his style has matured along with his age and improved as he has become more and more successful. 

He has traded out the baggy striped polo shirts in contrasting colours for crisp blazers, hues that flatter his skin tone and tailored outfits that flatter his athletic build.  

Style expert Lisa Talbot told FEMAIL that the golfer has gone from being a ‘functional dresser’ to someone who understands how to make his mark with personal style.

She said: ‘Rory McIlroy’s style evolution is quite striking. He’s gone from a slightly awkward, functional dresser early in his career, think loose polo shirts and baggy trousers to someone who clearly understands fit, proportion, and personal polish. 

‘Today, he’s wearing more tailored pieces, sleeker silhouettes, and choosing fabrics and colours that enhance his features. 

‘It’s a strong glow-up, and it’s likely due to a combination of factors: increased exposure to style-conscious environments, more involvement in fashion partnerships, and perhaps a stylist or a more discerning eye for detail himself.

‘Better tailoring enhances his physique, and the shift to more classic, structured pieces highlights his maturity and stature.’

The award-winning personal stylist said that Rory is at the age where men often think more seriously about their image in terms of personal branding – not necessarily for vanity. 

‘Rory is no longer just a top golfer; he’s a global public figure, and dressing the part is part of that territory,’ she said.

‘As men mature, their style tends to shift from practicality to purpose he’s clearly choosing looks that communicate success, strength, and subtle sophistication.’ 

Celebrity stylist Rochelle White said as men age, they usually lean into the look and style that works for them. 

She said: ‘I feel some men really come into their own and find their style later or as they age up. Also, when you’re starting out, there is more focus on the game and how you play more so than how you look. 

‘Sometimes you are seen as an underdog more so than a personality and as that grows, naturally a style comes along with upgraded outfits and hair cuts. 

‘He has probably found and knows what works for him and is more comfortable in that. So, he has grown in confidence and how he wants to come across.’

Rory sent shockwaves through the golfing world when he filed for divorce from his wife of seven years last May – just days before the beginning of the PGA Championship, the second major championship of the golfing calendar. 

But Erica was by his side yesterday when he became victorious, hugging her husband as he teared up in emotional scenes, a far cry from last year’s scene. 

When asked whether his style exudes his new era of confidence and success, Lisa responded: ‘Absolutely. His updated style mirrors a man who’s grounded, in control, and embracing a fresh chapter. 

‘There’s a quiet confidence in the way he dresses now less about flashy logos or trends and more about clean lines, refined choices, and thoughtful presentation. It’s the look of someone who knows who he is, has nothing to prove, and everything to enjoy.’ 

Rochelle also believes that increased media and social media coverage may have prompted Rory to update his style. 

She said: ‘I feel that his style has evolved over the years and I think a lot of it comes down to the media coverage as well as social media coverage. 

‘We all know that social plays a bit part in personal brand or image and it wouldn’t surprise me if he has been advised and recommended to improve his style. Not to mention his wife, could also be playing a part in his updated image.’