I first noticed it a few years back when he attended the HSBC Champions in Sheshan and it was again evident last November when I attended the Mission Hills World Cup of Golf.

Then at the very first press conference ahead of this week’s BMW Masters we again learnt the Chinese just struggled to pronounce Rory McIlroy’s surname.

A year ago on Hainan Island, McIlroy was introduced:  “Ladies and gentleman – On the tee, Rory Mac Roy”.

McIlroy attended a press conference yesterday at the Lake Malaren Golf Club in the comany of fellow Ryder Cup winning stars, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Martin Kaymer, along with Ashun Wu and China’s current No. 1 ranked player.

The MC introduced all players individually before they made the way to the dias.

Finally, it was McIlroy’s turn and then in a manner as if we were all present at a World Heavyweight title fight we heard:  “And ladies and gentlemen,   please welcome World No. 1 Rorrrrrry Mac Roy.”

Three World No. 1s on show in Shanghai – Germany’s Martin Kaymer, England’s Luke Donald and current World No.1 Rory ‘Mac Roy’. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)