Young Irish star says Jumeirah "family" and new tournament base in Emirate can boost his rise in golfing world.

Summary: Rory McIlroy, one of golf's rising stars, believes that buying a home in Dubai will help reinforce his bid to reach the top in the professional ranks.

Young Irish star says Jumeirah "family" and new tournament base in Emirate can boost his rise in golfing world

Rory McIlroy, one of golf's rising stars, believes that buying a home in Dubai will help reinforce his bid to reach the top in the professional ranks.

The dashing 19-year-old Irish player, who is sponsored by Jumeirah Group, the dynamic and fast growing Dubai-based luxury hospitality group, wants to capitalise fully on the Emirate's world class golf facilities.

"I shall be working very hard this winter in Dubai where I will be buying a home and raising my sights even higher," said McIlroy, already recognised as one of Europe's brightest golfing talents and a player with a great future.

He was speaking from his home town of Holywood, Northern Ireland, after narrowly missing out on his first PGA European Tour victory in the European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre, Switzerland on Sunday.

In a dramatic sudden death play-off the title went to Frenchman Jean-Francois Lucquin, but McIlroy has quickly set his sights on making a title challenge in the British Masters at The Belfry, England later in the month,

"It's disappointing to lose a play-off like that, but I'm happy that I led the tournament for so much of the week and it proves to me that I have the game to go on and win very soon," he said.

Dubai has become a second home for McIlroy after his signing of a three-year sponsorship agreement with Jumeirah last year.

He says his relationship with Jumeirah Group, and the chance to practice and relax under Dubai's year-round sunshine, can now help him reach the next level in professional golf.

"Dubai's golf facilities are absolutely world class and so good for my game," he said. "I feel so much at home there, and have become part of the Jumeirah family. They always look after me superbly, and setting up a permanent base there is a logical step."

"The season is such a long one now, and it's vital to be able to stay fresh. My visits to Dubai have always helped me to do that. With my own home there, I'll be able to relax even more, recharge my batteries, and take advantage of some of the best practice facilities for golf to be found anywhere."

The Jumeirah Group are confident that he can become a multiple winner in professional golf. "He's worked so hard for what would have been his first victory on the PGA European Tour on Sunday, and there will be many more opportunities to come," said Apo Demirtas, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Jumeirah Group.

"It is only a matter of time before he secures a tournament victory. Rory is a great ambassador for Jumeirah Group as he embodies our company's guiding principles. We're very proud to be partnering with such an exciting and talented young golfer who has the world at his feet."

After rising to the top of the world amateur rankings, McIlroy turned professional on the eve of the Quinn Direct British Masters last September and signed up with Jumeirah the same week. Just a fortnight later he scored a superb third place finish in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship to gain his full playing rights on the 2008 European Tour.

2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

2008 Al Bawaba (Albawaba.com)

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