Rory McIlroy to put family first as he chases first professional win at St Andrews
Rory McIlroy says he would rather give his dad a great time at St Andrews than claim a first professional win in Scotland.
McIlroy, recovered from a nightmare opening round at Wentworth last week at the BMW PGA Championship to register a 16th top-10 finish in 21 events this season.
He now turns his attention to playing the Pro-Am Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, but he is turning it into a family affair by teaming with his father Gerry.
“With the history that I’ve had at this tournament, from getting my Tour card in 2007 to having a few chances to win and not quite getting the job done, it obviously would be really nice to win at St Andrews at some point,” said McIlroy.
“But I’m taking the team part of it almost as serious as the individual part.
“It’s my dad’s 60th birthday next week and I said to him, ‘What do you want for your birthday?’ and he said, ‘I’d love to play the Dunhill one more time’.
“This is his birthday present. His last hurrah, I think. Hopefully we have a good week and make it to Sunday.
“Whenever he gets to play here it’s his favourite week of the year and he loves it and enjoys it and embraces it.
“He knows a lot of the other amateurs that are playing. He obviously knows a lot of the other pros. He’s in heaven this week, which is great.”
GOLF365 is now on Instagram, don’t forget to check us our for more golf news, reviews and satire – CLICK RIGHT HERE! You can follow us on Twitter too.
Latest
-
NewsHenrik Stenson named as Team Europe’s fifth vice-captain for Ryder Cup
The former Open champion joins fellow Swede Robert Karlsson, Luke Donald, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell in Padraig Harrington’s backroom staff.
-
NewsNo bias with Shane Lowry Ryder Cup selection, says Padraig Harrington
The European captain insists his friendship with his fellow Irishman did Lowry no favours.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington admits picking his Ryder Cup wild cards was a tough task
Justin Rose missed out as Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Shane Lowry were selected.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington admits leaving out Justin Rose was ‘incredibly difficult’
Rose eagled the 18th at Wentworth in a final round of 65 to finish in a tie for sixth, but that was not enough.
-
NewsRyder Cup setback fired up Wentworth winner Billy Horschel
The American was victorious in the BMW PGA Championship.
-
NewsBilly Horschel emulates Arnold Palmer as American winner of BMW PGA Championship
Seven-time major winner Palmer claimed the title at Royal St George’s in 1975.
-
NewsFrancesco Laporta has the edge as Ryder Cup qualifying battle hots up
European captain Padraig Harrington is facing a major selection headache.
-
NewsLee Westwood questions the structure of Europe’s Ryder Cup qualifying system
Kiradech Aphibarnrat added a 68 to his opening 64 at Wentworth to post a halfway total of 12 under par and lead by one from England’s Laurie Canter.
-
NewsEngland’s Laurie Canter sets halfway target at PGA Championship
Canter carded eight birdies and two bogeys in a second round of 66 to post a halfway total of 11 under par.
-
NewsAdam Scott happy to be back at Wentworth after encouraging opening round
Scott carded eight birdies and a solitary bogey to finish seven under par on Thursday.