Golf Channel · Jun 29, 2021
Following U.S. Open run, Rory McIlroy returns home to headline Irish Open
It’s been 17 years since Rory McIlroy visited Mount Juliet Estate, host venue for this week’s Irish Open.
Back then, he was just a hotshot kid with a moptop who had begun to make a name for himself in the Irish amateur scene. Following the final round of the 2004 WGC-American Express Championship, he spent time in the clubhouse mingling with winner Ernie Els, as well as Darren Clarke and agent-to-the-stars Chubby Chandler.
Two years before that, McIlroy had even better memories.
“The last time I was on the 18th green here was during the prize ceremony, when Tiger won,” McIlroy told reporters on Tuesday, referring to Woods’ WGC victory at Mount Juliet Estate in 2002.