McIlroy moved by Haiti trip

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  • June 12, 2011

A recent trip to Haiti has given Rory McIlroy some much needed perspective after his Masters disappointment.

A recent trip to Haiti has given Rory McIlroy some much needed perspective after his Masters disappointment.

As the young Northern Irishman prepares for his next major challenge at the US open come Thursday, he wrote on his website about an inspirational trip he took to Haiti recently in his capacity as a UNICEF Ireland Ambassador.

The 22-year-old met pupils from a school destroyed in last year’s earthquake who are now being educated to protect themselves from cholera and visited a play area set up by UNICEF in a safe environment.

“The chance that these children are getting to be kids and enjoy themselves is so important for their well-being,” said McIlroy.

“Nothing could prepare me for meeting the children in Haiti and I am truly amazed by how happy they are. The everyday things that we take for granted at home in Ireland are so longed for in Haiti.”

Seen in the light of the adversity faced by these children in the disaster-struck country, it made McIlroy all the more appreciative of his talent and the gifts it had already bestowed upon him, and helped him put his horror 80 in the final round at Augusta back in April into better persepctive.

From Haiti, McIlroy traveled to the Congressional Country Club course near Maryland where the US Open is set to take place. From the tweets that followed, he seemed excited about the prospect.

“Saw Congressional for the first time today. Great golf course, gotta draw the ball a lot so hopefully that will suit me!”

And after he completed his trip he added: “Two days at Congressional were great! Got all my prep done so I can put all my energy into Thursday-Sunday next week!”

McIlroy is paired with Americans Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson for the opening two rounds in Maryland.

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