Dubai favourite McIlroy hoping to bowl them over in the desert again

Dubai’s Majlis Course holds happy memories for 25-year-old Rory McIlroy and the Irishman is hoping to add to them this weekend.

In 2009 the Co Down man claimed a debut Tour title aged 19, aided by long-time caddie JP Fitzgerald.

“I said to JP today, it’s been six years since that win and hasn’t been a bad six years... when you get your first win, you feel you move to a different level,” said McIlroy, who has since claimed four Majors and requires a Masters title at Augusta to complete the career grand slam.