The star attraction of the one-day tournament was almost beaten by dad Gerry, who plays to a handicap of five, submitting a card of one-under par 71. The senior McIlroy, playing in the same fourball as Rory but partnering Thomas Pieters, shot one-over for his handicap.
And McIlroy, who is defending his Dubai Desert Classic title this week, said: “It’s a nice relaxed
“We (him and dad) do not get the opportunity to do this as much as we used to. Dad has still got a bit of game as you can see. We usually have good matches whenever we play together. Some of my best childhood memories are being on a golf course late with him, especially in the north of Ireland where it stays light in summer time until 10 or 11. To be able to rekindle some of those memories is quite special.”
Gerry was Rory’s first coach, and there are things his father taught him that the four-time major champion has taken to his heart.
“My dad is a big believer in treating people the right way. It is his manners and the way he is with people. I think the thing that was instilled in me from a very young age by both my mum and dad, especially on the golf course, was to treat people the right way,” he added.
“No matter whether you are having a good day or bad, dad always wanted me to respect the sport.”
In Abu Dhabi last week, McIlroy revealed he has never got an albatross in his life, while his father has already two against his name.
“I think he has also got a few more holes-in-one than what I have got (Gerry has six),” said McIlroy. “I have played a couple of times with him where he has had holes-in-one. But honestly, he has been a very good amateur player.
“I think I get a lot of my talent from him, even though my mum would completely beg to differ with that!”
