Rory McIlroy, the current World number 4, was a key player in Ballyliffin Golf Club being named as the host for the 2018 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.
McIlroy has been an honorary member of the Ballyliffin club since 2007.
Picture caption: Rory McIlroy during a visit to Ballyliffin in 2011.
McIlroy and his foundation – the Rory Foundation – had a big influence on the decision of the European Tour to head for the Glashedy Links at Ballyliffin next July.
In his amateur days, McIlroy first played in Ballyliffin in 2005, at the Scratch Cup.
“He has a long association, and both he and his father, Gerry, have a great love for Ballyliffin and the area,” said John Farren, General Manager at Ballyliffin GC.
“From a very early stage it was evident that Rory McIlroy was going to be the real deal.
“Rory played in a successful interprovincial Ulster inter- provincial team there in 2006, and we made him an honorary member, just prior to him turning professional and he was 16 at the time
“He’s always spoken very highly of us and we’re grateful for that, because every little bit of positive news helps.”
