 Rory McIlroy clinched his first PGA Tour win earlier this month
Rory McIlroy will build up to his challenge at the 3 Irish Open by playing some social golf at home. That approach worked for the 21-year-old earlier this month as he clinched his first US Tour win at the Quail Hollow Championship. McIlroy was down in the dumps after missing the cut at the Masters but a week at home rejuvenated him. "It was definitely something to do with getting home and playing with my friends," said McIlroy. "I just started to enjoy myself again and realise that not a lot of people get the chance to do what I do and just stop getting so het up and tense about golf. "These are all boys my age that I have known for years and they were telling me to take a look at myself and realise what I have and enjoy it because not many people get that chance in life. "I'll be doing exactly the same thing before this year's 3 Irish Open. "I will be playing some social golf with my friends at home so let's hope they can inspire me to win at Killarney."  | 606: DEBATE |
The world number nine says winning the Irish Open would be "huge". "Padraig (Harrington) always says that outside the majors, the Irish Open is the one he wants to win above all the others and I feel the same way about it." McIlroy will be part of a strong field at the Killeen Course at the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club from 29 July to 1 August. "I know Lee Westwood is coming over so we will have at least two or three players from the top ten in the world. "It's a different course that I haven't actually played before but the new date is a big bonus for the tournament. "It's the bank holiday weekend in Killarney so hopefully we will have big crowds, decent weather and great tournament." McIlroy was two years old on the last occasion the event was staged at Killarney in 1992 when Nick Faldo completed back-to-back triumphs. Shane Lowry will be defending the title at the Kerry venue.
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