Boy wonder McIlroy to compete in Irish Open

West of Ireland champion Rory McIlroy has been selected by the Golfing Union of Ireland to compete in the Nissan Irish Open Championship at Carton House Golf Club from Thursday May 19.

The sponsors of the Nissan Irish Open have invited the GUI to nominate three amateurs to compete in the Championship.

The other two amateurs will be selected by the GUI following the completion of the AIB Irish Amateur Open Championship which will be played over the O'Meara course at Carton House Golf Club on Friday to Sunday, May 6 to May 8.

McIlroy, at 15 years of age, became the youngest winner of the West of Ireland Championship over the Easter weekend.

The Holywood golfer, who will celebrate his 16th birthday on May 4, is also the reigning Nissan Irish Boys champion, a title which he won at Castlebar Golf Club in August 2004.

Mr Gerard O'Toole, Executive Chairman of Nissan said: "We are delighted to invite the Golfing Union of Ireland to nominate three amateur golfers to play in the Nissan Irish Open and especially pleased that young Rory McIlroy has been selected."