Rory to play Turkish Airlines

World number errr...., two? Or is it one? Anyway, top performing golfer Rory McIlroy has announced he will play at the Turkish Airlines Open in October. The four-time major winner will take his place in the field for the third instalment of the showpiece tournament at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal, now a key part of the European Tour’s Final Series, in Belek.  

The event takes place between October 29 and November 1, with 78 players competing for a prize fund of $7 million.

"​They look much bigger where they're in the sky, don't they?"

The Northern Irishman, going head to head with Jordan Spieth in their battle for the world number one spot, was certainly laying it on thick with the 'Isn't Turkey great?' vibe:

“I didn’t perform my best here in 2012, so had the weekend off to relax. It’s a really great holiday destination with a wonderful atmosphere but this time I’m hoping to be right in the running come Sunday as this it’s a tournament I would really love to win.

“Three years ago I was really impressed with the passion for golf in Turkey and I know it’s a sport that is growing all the time there. I know there’ll be a great buzz around the tournament and, with the Race to Dubai heading towards a climax, it will be an exciting week.

Rors: Bending over backwards for his Turkey supper

Turkish Golf Federation President Ahmet Ağaoğlu said: “It is an honour to have Rory McIlroy competing in Turkey once again. “This is part of my vision to grow the great sport of golf in Turkey.  We had Tiger Woods at the first tournament in 2013, Sergio Garcia last year and now Rory in the third edition. Golf in Turkey continues to have a bigger and bigger influence on the global stage.”

Victor Dubuisson and Brooks Koepka are the previous winners of a tournament that has been brought forward due to Antalya hosting the G20 summit.

Amazing Rory shots from 2015 so far!