Sept19 McIlroy

By Jonathan Greathead, TG Staff Writer

Teenager Rory McIlroy will be out to show he is the real deal when he makes his debut as a professional at this week’s British Masters.

The Northern Ireland starlet, who wowed Open Championship crowds this year with a flawless opening round of 68, begins his life as a pro at the event at the Belfry.

He said: “Hopefully I can play well and live up to expectations. I think people have expectations of me and I have expectations of myself.”

The 18-year-old enjoyed a stellar amateur career, winning titles Irish titles as well as the European Amateur Championship. He also featured in this year’s Walker Cup defeat to the United States at Royal County Down.

The Holywood-born sensation will be managed by Andrew “Chubby” Chandler, who said: “We have followed Rory’s progress over the last five years and are proud to have the chance to look after one of the most exciting players to turn professional in the last decade.”

McIlroy has been placed in a group with two fellow Europeans; Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen and Scotland’s Paul Lawrie. The trio will tee off at 7.50am from the 10th on Thursday. Defending champion Johan Edfors will start 20 minutes later, alongside former US Open champion Michael Campbell and England’s David Howell.

Picture by Getty Images

 

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