McIlroy targets his first European Tour victory

TEENAGE star Rory McIlroy is targeting his first European Tour victory in just his third event as a professional, in the Madrid Open which starts today.

Should he succeed, it could help the 18-year-old from Northern Ireland to become the youngest player ever to appear in the Ryder Cup.

McIlroy’s third place in the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews on Sunday virtually guaranteed him a tour card for next year — and also lifted him to eighth in the Ryder Cup race.