Rory McIlroy to be joined by Niall again

• One Direction’s Niall Horan playing in Celebrity Pro-Am
• The singer caddied for Rory McIlroy at the Masters par-3 contest
• Footballers Paul Scholes and Phil Neville to complete the fourball

One Direction’s Niall Horan will swap the stage for the fairways when he joins defending champion Rory McIlroy in the BMW PGA Championship Celebrity Pro-Am at Wentworth Club on Wednesday May 20.

The 21-year-old singer caddied for world No.1 McIlroy in the par-3 contest at the Masters last month and the pair will be together again in two weeks’ time at the European Tour’s flagship event.

The star-studded group, which will tee off at 8am, will be completed by Manchester United and England football legends Phil Neville and Paul Scholes who, like Horan, will be making his debut in the Celebrity Pro-Am, which has become one of the most popular dates in the golfing calendar.

“The opportunity to play in the pro-am with my mate Rory and two legends of football is going to be amazing” – Niall Horan

Horan, who is an honorary life member of Mullingar Golf Club in his native Ireland, said: “I can’t wait to play with Rory, Phil and Paul. It’s going to be a great event. I know how prestigious the BMW PGA Championship is as the European Tour’s flagship event, so the opportunity to play in the pro-am with my mate Rory and two legends of football is going to be amazing – what a team!

“That said, I’ve heard there are pretty big crowds there on the day, I’m used to those but not when I’m on a golf course. I’ll probably be more nervous at Wentworth than I was performing in front of thousands with 1D, so I’m hoping Rory will give me a few tips on calming the nerves.

“I love golf, it’s a fantastic sport for all ages and I would urge young people to get out there and give it a go.”

Rory McIlroy said: “Niall and I had a good fun together in the par-3 contest at the Masters and I’m looking forward to seeing him again at Wentworth, without the boiler suit. It should be a great fourball with Phil and Paul playing too, and it should appeal to a wide range of fans.

“The Celebrity Pro-Am is always one of the most enjoyable days of the year and I’m sure the guys will all have a great time.”

Tickets for the BMW PGA Celebrity Pro-Am day are still available, via www.bmwpga.com or via the ticket hotline on 0800 023 2557.

Rory McIlroy and Niall Horan :: Your thoughts

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