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
-
European Tour‘Is this where I am going to die?’ Nicolas Colsaerts on kidney disorder battle
The Belgian is the focus of attention this week as he belatedly defends the Cazoo Open de France title he won three years ago.
-
Ryder CupOn this day in 2008: Ryder Cup misery in Louisville for Nick Faldo’s Europe team
Faldo was heavily criticised for his tactics in the closing singles.
-
LIV GolfOpen champion Cameron Smith wins first LIV trophy in just second start
The world number two is the highest-ranked player to join the rebel series.
-
European TourRobert MacIntyre beats Matt Fitzpatrick in play-off to win Italian Open
MacIntyre birdied the first extra hole at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, the venue for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
European TourMatt Fitzpatrick holds narrow lead ahead of final round at Italian Open
Rory McIlroy and Aaron Rai are one shot off the pace.
-
European TourRory McIlroy picks up the pace to claim lead ahead of Matt Fitzpatrick in Rome
McIlroy’s group looked unlikely to complete their second rounds after taking three hours to play nine holes.
-
NewsMatt Fitzpatrick leads way at Italian Open despite ‘inconsistent’ display
The US Open champion held a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Tom Lewis,
-
European TourRory McIlroy rues a late night until eagle gets him flying in Italian Open
The four-time major winner was only a shot behind leader Matt Fitzpatrick after the first round of the Rome event.
-
European TourRory McIlroy begins Italian Open with superb 67 after recovering from slow start
He kick-started his round by holing out from 115 yards for an eagle on the par-four third.
-
European TourShane Lowry: Golf risks alienating fans with disgusting amount of money involved
The BMW PGA Championship winner insists he was never tempted to join LIV Golf.