The person closest to Rory McIlroy on a golf course says he’s riding the fairytale of a lifetime caddying for the world’s top-ranked golfer.
Fellow Irishman J P Fitzgerald has been by McIlroy’s side for of McIlroy’s 10 pro career victories.
J P Fitzgerald enjoying the dream of a lifetime caddying for Rory McIlroy. (Photo – Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ie)
Fitzgerald was the first person McIlroy wrapped his arms around in claiming the DP World Tour Championship and claim a fifth tournament success this season.
And Fitzgerald, who is usually quite reserved and also quite protective of McIlroy, could not contain his excitement after McIlroy had single-putted the closing five holes for birdie on the Earth Course.
“It’s just a fairytale, really,” said Fitzgerald.
“Nothing Rory does now surprises me. When you’re put under the cosh like he was over the last few holes, and then do what he did was amazing.
“The shot he played at the 17thwas just phenomenal. It was just the quality, and to come up with a shot like that when you needed one birdie in the last two holes. It’s remarkable, really.
“We were looking at the leader boards and we knew what Justin (Rose) was doing but then when we bogeyed the 13th we were two back.
“So what he then did over the last five holes was a huge thrill for all of us involved and just to be around to see this happening.
“Even when he comes to work every day and the way he says ‘hello’ to you, it’s a great thrill.
“Rory’s one of a kind.”
Fitzgerald will now take a well-earned break before rejoining McIlroy at the Els Club on January 7th, 2013 where McIlroy will begin working on his game ahead of his first event of the New Year – the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
