Americans bank on Rory effect

Rory McIlroy may be gearing up for his seasonal debut on the European Tour but it is PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem who has most to look forward to from the world No 1’s 2013 schedule.

The two-time Major champion, whose record-breaking PGA Championship success last August was one of five wins worldwide in 2012, begins his campaign next week in Abu Dhabi and the 23-year-old has begun practice this week with coach Michael Bannon at the Els Club in nearby Dubai, working alongside locally-based Ulster pro Justin Parsons.

His season-opening showdown with Tiger Woods at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is keenly anticipated by golf fans and the European Tour alike but is set to be his only regular event on that Tour for five months as he turns his attentions to America, much to the delight of Finchem.