Sign up for our daily newsletter
Latest news, reviews, analysis and opinion, plus unmissable deals for bunkered subscriptions, events, and our commercial partners.
World No.2 Rory McIlroy will have a new man on his bag at this week’s DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
However, it will only be a temporary measure.
Four-time major-winner McIlroy will be using former Irish rugby player Niall O’Connor to carry his clubs as the European Tour season draws to a close.
O’Connor, 32, had two spells playing at fly-half for McIlroy’s beloved Ulster rugby side and was capped at Under-20 level for Ireland.
• Club sued by ex-member who “played too much”
• Pro hit with EIGHT-SHOT penalty after ball blunder
He’ll deputise for fellow Northern Irishman McIlroy’s regular caddie Harry Diamond, who has the week off following the birth of his first child last week.
WATCH – GET RORY’S SECRET POWER MOVE
O’Connor, who has worked for a private equity firm in New York since his rugby career came to an end, previously caddied for McIlroy’s dad in the 2018 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
• Bob-Mac closing in on “unbelievable” honour
• Matthew banks on experience for 2021 Solheim
• “Anxiety tore my golf apart,” says Beef
This week marks McIlroy’s 25th start of an impressive year in which he has won four times and closed the gap on Brooks Koepka at the top of the Official World Golf Rankings.
He can neither win the Race To Dubai nor overtake Koepka as world No.1 this week but, with $3m for the winner, he has plenty of motivation to play well.
ALL ABOUT THE MASTERS
More Reads
The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland
Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.
Find Courses