McIlroy delighted to give teenager chance

Rory McIlroy will play with Northern Irish teenage star Tom McKibbin in the pro-am ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open on May 18.

McKibbin, who is now 13, has only been playing golf for about four years after first picking up a club just before his ninth birthday, but has blossomed into one of the best young players around.

He won the Junior Honda Classic in Florida earlier this year after claiming the World Junior Championships aged 12 in August 2015.

The Irish Open supports McIlroy’s charity, the ‘Rory Foundation’, and the four-time major winner will be hoping to improve on last year’s display when he missed the cut at the tournament he hosts.

Before the main event, the word number three will play in the relaxed atmosphere of the pro-am and was delighted to be partnering his compatriot.

“Tom McKibbin is a great talent,” he said. “I played a round with Tom in Florida recently and he is the real deal.

“At only 13 years of age I think he has a remarkable golfing future ahead of him. Having seen him play a couple of times now, he impresses me more each time.

“And I can think of no better place to showcase his talents than at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at the K Club.”

Tagged Irish Open, Rory McIlroy