Rory McIlroy played well at Augusta in the year's first major, although he has not exactly dominated since then. However, for the elite golfers like McIlroy, they are generally measured by their performance in major tournaments, and Rory still has plenty of chances left to win one of those this year.

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In the meantime, McIlroy has gone public about his relationship, confirming rumors that have persisted for months that he is in fact dating Erica Stoll, a 29-year old PGA employee. He says that the two have been dating for about six months and adds that he is "very happy" in the relationship. But could his announcement be symbolic of something bigger?

McIlroy is already the world's top golfer, and now he could be trying to turn himself into more than just a star athelete, as many sports superstars often try to do. His current career path is not all that different from that of Tom Brady, one of the NFL's biggest stars.

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Like Brady, McIlroy enjoyed success quite early in his career and appears destined for greatness despite his young age.

Like Brady, McIlroy has a number of endorsements that portray him as not only a star athlete, but also tap into the fact that he is a handsome young man.

And now that he has confirmed his relationship with Stoll, McIlroy has another thing in common with Brady -- a relationship with a beautiful young woman.

Obviously Brady's relationship was a bit different because of Gisele's fame and popularity, but when she and Tom wed, it took his popularity to another level. Although it is still early in their dating life, Stoll could have the same effect on McIlroy if the two stay together.