McIlroy credits hair for success

Teenage golf sensation Rory McIlroy today revealed one of the secrets to his meteoric rise to sporting stardom – his curly hair.

While the world number 17’s growing legion of fans think the wild style is just a fashion statement, the 19-year-old from the North said it was much more important.

“I suppose it’s a bit of a lucky charm for me,” he told IN! magazine.

“People recognise me because of it. I haven’t had it cut much since August when I started playing really well last year.”

Confident there are no rules restricting the length of his curls, he said he had no intention of getting them cut anytime soon.

In a wide ranging interview the Co. Down star also revealed his long term ambition to take Tiger Wood’s mantle as the best golfer on the planet.

“I got to try to get to number two first and then try and see,” he said.

“It’s not something I am really focusing on just now, but it would be a great achievement one day. I plan to be number one in the world. It would be nice but you know I have got 16 places to go because I’m number 17 at the moment.”