McIlroy chasing maiden win at BMW Asian Open

Northern Ireland golf sensation Rory McIlroy will certainly endear himself to Chinese golf fans if he wins his maiden European Tour title at the BMW Asian Open 2008 at Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club come April 23 to 27.

The teenager from Holywood has been making headlines across Europe in the past few seasons. As a 15-year-old schoolboy in July 2005, he shot a course record 11-under par 61 – one eagle and nine birdies - at Royal Portrush Golf Club, one of the world’s most famous links courses.

In August 2006 he won the European Amateur Championship at Biella Golf Club, near Milan, Italy after various domestic successes in Ireland. He was briefly the world number one amateur in February 2007, after making his first cut in a European Tour event at the 2007 Dubai Desert Classic.

Last July, he grabbed the headlines with his superb opening three under par 68 in the British Open at Carnoustie. It was the only bogey-free round of the day and put him one shot ahead of his hero, world number one Tiger Woods. McIlroy went on to win the Silver Medal as top amateur, finishing tied 42nd in his Major debut.

Ever since McIlroy recorded a 40-yard drive (36.6metres) at the age of two, he seemed destined to become a professional golfer one day. He shot his first hole in one at the age of nine and was a scratch handicapper at 14.

On 18 Sep 2007, he turned professional and made the cut in his first professional event, the Quinn Direct British Masters. In only his second professional event, the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, he finished third and earned enough money to become the youngest and quickest Affiliate Member to secure his European Tour card, in just two events. In his third event, Mcllroy finished fourth at the Open de Madrid Valle Romano.

If McIlroy, who turns 19 on May 4 this year, wins his maiden European Tour title in this year’s BMW Asian Open, he will pip the great Seve Ballesteros to become the second ever youngest winner on the European Tour.

The youngest ever winner on the European Tour is Dale Hayes who was 18 years 290 days when he won the 1971 Spanish Open. Ballesteros was 19 years 121 days old when he won his maiden European Tour title at the 1976 Dutch Open.

"I am looking forward to playing in the BMW Asian Open and I will be working hard on my game as I hope to perform well," said McIlroy who supports Manchester United football club and loves cars. “I have heard a lot of good things from the players about Shanghai and hope I will have time to see some of the city."

McIlroy also has another incentive to play well in Shanghai. As an amateur, he was a member of Europe’s 2004 Junior Ryder Cup winning team. If he records a win at the BMW Asian Open in Shanghai, he could greatly enhance his chances of playing in this year’s Ryder Cup and beat Sergio Garcia's current record as the youngest player to play in this legendary team event. Spaniard Garcia was 19 years and eight months when he made his Ryder Cup debut, while McIlroy could be four months Garcia’s junior if he makes it into Nick Faldo's 12-man team later this year.

In order to win in Shanghai, the teenage prodigy will have to be beat a strong line-up of world-class golfers including three Major champions - Retief Goosen, Michael Campbell and Greg Norman, current European Order of Merit leader Henrik Stenson and Miguel Angel Jiménez, and defending champion Raphaël Jacquelin.

Besides a chance to watch the McIlroy in action, spectators to the BMW Asian Open can expect an expanded and improved Public Village with a new trick golf show featuring the debut of World Trick Golf Shot champion Geoff Swain, innovative and interesting interactive elements like the BMW xRamp and a dazzling display of BMW cars.

As in previous years, BMW China will again not charge any entrance fees for the tournament. Instead BMW and golf enthusiasts can register via a special Call-Center telephone or by email/internet to receive their personal invitation to the BMW Asian Open 2008. For those who decide spontaneously to watch the BMW Asian Open 2008 access will be granted by registration at the main entrance at Tomson Golf Club.

The BMW Asian Open is sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and China Golf Association.

March 26 , 2008

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