World No. 1 Rory McIlroy finds himself now commanding so much attention away from the golf course.
Of course, attracting the most interest at present is the intense media hype surrounding his move from Titleist to Nike.
But then McIlroy has also been in the news for other reasons than just switching management companies.
Rory McIlroy happy to wear this Bavarian style cap but it seems as though he’s going to disappoint Arnold Palmer by not contesting a first-ever Arnold Palmer Invitational. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
Firstly, legendary Arnold Palmer joked he would break McIlroy’s arm if he didn’t make his debut in competing at Arnie’s event at Bay Hill.
Well, McIlroy was asked about this following his formal press conference here in Singapore and his response, despite laughing at the time, might not please Arnie.
“Well, I guess I will have to play the Masters one arm then,” said McIlroy.
Then there’s the story of the Lombard City police squad car that rushed McIlroy to Medinah for the Ryder Cup Singles that is to be auctioned.
The car has clocked up so many miles it has been replaced and with officer John Rollins who rushed McIlroy to the Ryder Cup being presented with a new squad car.
McIlroy was asked what he thought about plans by the city to auction the car and the money raised to be donated to a local charity.
“I saw that they are replacing the police car as it has 80,000 miles on the clock but then I don’t think I will buy it,” he said.
“It’s a great idea if the sale of the car raises money for the community so I’m then all for it.”
And McIlroy was quizzed on Christy O’Connor Jnr’s remarks with the legendary Irish golfer believing McIlroy can win at least 10 Major Championships.
It prompted the question if McIlroy had a number in mind.
“No, I’ve never had a number in mind but then I feel very fortunate to have won two Majors and I would love to get to three, and hopefully when I get to three I will then get to four, as that’s my goal,” he said.
“Of course, I am halfway to a career Grand Slam and I would love those next two Majors, if I do win them, to be The Open Championship and The Masters.
“So the next opportunity I have is to win a third is in April at Augusta and we’ll see how it goes from there.”
McIlroy has been drawn to play the opening two rounds of the $US 6m event in the company of Oosthuizen and Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant, who has won three Asian Tour events this season and who is also competing in his 11th straight event.
