Rory McIlroy warmed up for this week’s $US 6.9m event playing the Pro-Am in the company of 14-year old Alejandra Ayala with the Atlanta teenager winning a Wells Fargo sponsored video essay contest to play alongside the double Major winner.

The contest attracted entries from across the U.S. and with the help of her father, she compiled a video highlighting the importance of a coach or mentor and how that person and core values of the First Tee project have positively affected her life.

Alejandra’s prize, along with three others, was a four-day/three-night trip for two to Charlotte to attend this week’s championship.

Rory McIlroy and Alejandra Ayala. (Photo – www.wellsfargochampionship.com)

And while she was clearly nervous early on, Ayala settled down to impress all those who followed the group, and even out-driving McIlroy down the last albeit from the forward tees.

“It was really cool playing with Rory as he seems a really nice guy,” she said.

“He was very honest with me about any question I asked him about life on the Tour, and the reason I chose him was that I followed him around at Kiawah Island two years ago when he won by a lot of strokes.

“Also I think he will one day be a future Masters champion.”

Alejandra Ayala was a spectator at Kiawah Island when Rory McIlroy captured the 2012 PGA Championship. (Photo – www.wellsfargochampionship)

McIlroy responded:  “She was great and we had a lot of fun out there.  I think once she relaxed a little bit, as she was nervous the first couple of holes, she started hitting the ball really well.

“She wanted to learn a lot, she asked me a lot of questions, and it was really nice to play with her.

“She was a really well-mannered young lady and it was fun.  She had an eagle putt on seven and just didn’t quite make it, but she certainly hits the ball a long way for a 14-year old.”

And in parting McIlroy remarked that he will be keeping an eye for her when she joins the LPGA Tour.