McIlroy looking for good start with idol Tiger

SIX years ago Rory McIlroy borrowed an official photographer’s long lens to walk inside the ropes so he could get close to boyhood idol Tiger Woods.

In a scenario highlighting McIlroy’s stature in the game, the US Open champion was yesterday sharing the same stage as Woods in a promotional photo shoot ahead of this week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. The pair later played a nine-hole practice round together over the inward half of this week’s National Club course host venue.

And while the duo were out on the course organisers released the opening two round draw with McIlroy and Woods grouped together for only the second occasion ever.