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• Rory McIlroy back in UK less than 24 hours after Wells Fargo win
• Was at Niketown London speaking to aspiring young golfers
• Defends BMW PGA Championship title at Wentworth this week

RORY MCILROY

Less than 24 hours after his dominant, record-setting win at the Wells Fargo Championship, Rory McIlroy was in London to inspire a new generation of golfers.

The 26-year-old coasted to an emphatic seven-shot victory at Quail Hollow – largely thanks to a tournament course record of 61 in the third round – and en route to the UK in a private jet, he took time out at 35,000 feet to interact with fans through the new Periscope app.

And hours later, he was interacting and inspiring fans once more at the capital’s Niketown store in Oxford Street, where he was joined on stage by footballer-turned-broadcaster Chris Kamara and spoke about Nike’s recent Ripple video, which traces McIlroy’s journey from a young child to teeing it up with Tiger Woods at a tour event.

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“Growing up in Northern Ireland, I looked up to Tiger, and I hope I can inspire youngsters in the same way he inspired me,” said Rory McIlroy, who is back in the UK to defend his title at the BMW PGA Championship.

“Spending time at Niketown London is a great way for me to kick off what will hopefully be a successful week, and it’s great to be a part of Nike bringing golf to life in this space,” the world No.1 added.

Rory McIlroy is currently in the thick of a five-week playing stint, which concludes at next week’s Irish Open. He also has the extra responsibility of hosting the event, with his charitable foundation the main benefactor, and with this hectic schedule, he was able to give Kamara and an energetic crowd an insight into the athletic side of golf and his fitness regime.

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He said: “I’m always looking to get an edge on my competition, and I definitely feel being in peak physical condition gives me that. I love being in the gym because what I do in there directly contributes to what I can do on the course.”

Rory McIlroy then gave fans a glimpse into his game while hitting his Nike clubs into a golf simulator positioned on the ground floor of Niketown. He hit a variety of shots that he’ll replicate when he tees off at Wentworth on Thursday, with the Surrey course long and really favouring big-hitting players.

Hitting some 300-yard drives for the crowd with his Nike Vapor Pro driver, the four-time major champion added: “The length of the course this week could favour my game, but ball control is definitely crucial as well.”

Rory McIlroy at Wentworth :: Your thoughts

Can Rory McIlroy continue his excellent form and defend his BMW PGA Championship title? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.

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