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<\/p>\nRory McIlroy took a break from his Ryder Cup preparations to make a wish come true for a young boy at the Irish Open on Wednesday. World No. 2 McIlroy is at the K Club this week as he looks to fine-tune his performance ahead of golf’s showpiece biannual match-play team event in Rome at the end of the month.<\/p>\n
But during his practice round at the County Kildare course, the Northern Irishman fulfilled a request he had received from the Make-A-Wish charity in Ireland.<\/p>\n
The four-times Major winner had been asked if he would meet Michael Horgan – a seven-year-old boy who is suffering from a brain tumour.<\/p>\n
McIlory was only too happy to oblige and on Wednesday he picked Michael up in a golf buggy from the ninth tee and drove him to his ball.<\/p>\n
After a chat with his hero, Michael was handed McIlory’s range finder before the 34-year-old asked him to work out his yardage to the pin.<\/p>\n
The global superstar would miss his birdie putt but he had another surprise in store when he handed Michael a bespoke putter to keep. After trying to sink a few balls on the green, Michael’s day was complete when McIlroy signed the head cover of his special new club.<\/p>\n
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McIlroy confirmed that he had done work for the charity before but admitted that the situation hit differently now that he is a father himself.<\/p>\n
As per Independent.ie he said: \u201cI\u2019ve done a few different things over the years with Make-A-Wish and with different children\u2019s charities, and it\u2019s always been very fulfilling to be able to do it.<\/p>\n
“But I think when you\u2019ve got a child yourself\u2026 I feel very fortunate that we have a healthy little girl who\u2019s very happy. There\u2019s a lot of people in the world who would give up everything to have what we have in terms of a healthy child.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt puts a lot of things in perspective, and just makes you very grateful for what you have.\u201d<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n The pair embraced before they parted ways, with McIlory shouting to Michael: \u201cEurope for the Ryder Cup, Ireland for the World Cup!\u201d<\/p>\n McIlory and his fellow professional golfers can raise funds for the charity themselves at the Irish Open, simply by playing well.<\/p>\n For every birdie sank across the tournament, sponsor Horizon has pledged to donate around \u00a3130 to the cause, with almost \u00a3260 on offer for every eagle.<\/p>\n McIlory completed his first round on Thursday with a three under par 69, grabbing himself five birdies in the process.<\/p>\n
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