Rookie Phelan gets sponsorship boost

Waterford rookie Kevin Phelan has landed a sponsorship deal with the same company that first backed Rory McIlroy — Dublin-based investment boutique, FL Partners.

The 23-year-old, who also impressed at last year’s US Open before winning two points out of three for Great Britain & Ireland at the Walker Cup, will wear the company logo on his left sleeve.

“I am delighted FL Partners has chosen to support me,” said Phelan, who finished 24th at the Alfred Dunhill Championship — his first tournament as a card-carrying Tour professional — and is in action at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship this week, on a sponsor’s invitation.