It began in January 2013, with an Abu Dhabi laser show worthy of the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Australia that served as a backdrop for his ill-fated engagement to Caroline Wozniacki nearly one year later.

Rory McIlroy’s official unveiling with sports giant Nike took on Academy Award presentation proportions but with the world number one denying his reputed $200m (€150m) deal is about the money.

Rory McIlroy insisted Major titles matter more to him than money after taking a massive step towards becoming one of the biggest earners in sporting history last night.