McIlroy can’t wait to return to his links roots

After thrilling golfing galleries across America in the last two months, Rory McIlroy cannot wait to get back to his first love of links golf at The 3 Irish Open at County Louth Golf Club, Baltray, from May 14-17.

The Northern Irishman has taken the golfing world by storm since his maiden European Tour victory at the Dubai Desert Classic at the start of the year, and has since gone on to make a huge impression across America with outstanding performances at the Masters, finishing tied 20th, and the WGC – Accenture Match Play, where he made it through to the quarter-finals before losing to World Number Four Geoff Ogilvy.

But McIlroy is keen to get back to business on The European Tour on the classic links at Baltray where he will surely be afforded a hero’s welcome alongside three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington.

“We don’t play that much links golf on The European Tour so it’s great that The 3 Irish Open is returning to Baltray,” said McIlroy.

“I am looking forward to playing it so much because I love links golf. The 3 Irish Open is one of the oldest tournaments on The European Tour and I would love to win at Baltray. Returning to links golf after a couple of months in America where I played courses like Augusta and Doral will be a test but it’s a test I’m relishing.”

McIlroy, who turns 20 this coming Monday, will return to his homeland after The PLAYERS Championship next week in search of a second European Tour victory of the season that would, given the impressive €3m prize fund on offer at The 3 Irish Open, see him make significant strides in his quest to win the inaugural Race to Dubai.

McIlroy is currently fourth in The Race to Dubai standings, but victory at Baltray would see him make up significant ground on current Number One Ogilvy.

“There’s no doubt it would be great to get back to Dubai and have a chance of winning The Race to Dubai and the Dubai World Championship – but first of all I have to concentrate on getting a good result at The 3 Irish Open because that would be a good catalyst for the rest of the year.

“It would be a nice to do a Dubai double, that’s for sure! But it’s a long way off and I’m concentrating on the rest of the season, starting at Baltray in a couple of weeks.”

Fans have the chance to make significant savings at The 3 Irish Open by taking advantage of advance ticket offers.