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Rory McIlroy is a Tri-Golf hit at Turnberry

Thursday, 16 July 2009
Michael Weston
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Rory McIlroy plays Tri-Golf at Turnberry prior to the Open Championship

Rory McIlroy showed a whole new side to his shot-making when he played Tri-Golf as a guest of the Golf Foundation on Wednesday, in Turnberry’s tented village.

The Ulsterman played Tri-Golf in a challenge against local youngsters present at the R&A Junior Golf Centre. Tri-Golf is a game that is revolutionising the approach to introducing golf to youngsters aged under-12 in schools. Leading golf charity the Golf Foundation is reaching more than 700,000 children per year through its national initiatives involving schools and golf facilities.

McIlroy narrowly triumphed in a quick-fire shoot-out at numbered targets and afterwards patiently answered questions from boys and girls and signed a huge amount of autographs for children who had flocked to the centre to watch him play.

"That was a great warm-up for the main event and I was delighted that the children had fun," said the world number 22. "I really enjoyed playing Tri-Golf. It’s great for youngsters to get that first experience of hitting golf shots. Full credit to the Golf Foundation and all the work they are doing to get more youngsters involved in golf."

The Golf Foundation is present for the whole of Open week (12-19 July), working alongside the PGA and clubgolf as guests of The R&A. An estimated 4,000 youngsters are expected to visit the R&A Junior Golf Centre during the event.

Mike Round, Chief Executive of the Golf Foundation, said: "What a wonderful example Rory has set. Despite his numerous commitments he found time to inspire a group of children in the best possible way."

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