Rory McIlroy is a Catholic by birth, but he prefers to keep his religious beliefs private and not let them define him. He grew up in Northern Ireland, where religion and politics are often intertwined, and he has been pulled in multiple directions as different groups want to claim him as their own. McIlroys schooling, exams, and everyday life were influenced by the British model, but he considers himself Northern Irish and has expressed pride in his Irish background. He has represented Ireland in international golf competitions, including the Olympics. Despite growing up in a Catholic home, McIlroy is neither religious nor political by disposition.