After selling a prior house he owned in Northern Ireland, World No. 1 Rory McIlroy returned this week to accept the keys to a new dwelling now in his possession in County Down.

Confirmation of McIlroy again becoming a Northern Ireland home owner was confirmed when he was photographed with a local estate agent, who was handing over the keys to his new property.

The estate agent posted a picture on their Facebook page yesterday stating that they were “delighted to have assisted our local superstar Rory McIlroy with the purchase of his new house in his home town, Holywood”.

World No. 1 Rory McIlroy accepts keys to his new house in County Down and three years after selling his previous Northern Ireland abode.

The 25-year-old’s golf career began at a young age when he joined and honed his now world-famous skills at Holywood Golf Club.

It is not known when the deal on the property was made or where exactly the house is — but it’s good news for Holywood locals who could be in with the chance of bumping in to their local superstar.

News of McIlroy’s recent purchase comes just two years after he put his former Northern Ireland home up for sale with an asking price of £2m.

The 14-acre estate in Moneyreagh, Co Down, boasted five bedrooms, a gymnasium, and, naturally fitting for the sports star — a golf practice area complete with a putting green and driving range.

He had bought it three years previously but sold it because of increasing overseas commitments.

McIlroy also has a luxury mansion in Florida — where many thought he was relocating after selling the Moneyreagh home.

* Story appearing in Belfast Telegraph.