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Rory McIlroy to play Irish Open pro-am alongside teenager

Roy McIlory will play the Irish Open pro-am event alongside 2015 world junior champion Tom McKibbin, who is aged just 13.

Rory McIlroy has described 2015 world junior champion Tom McKibbin as the "real deal" after deciding to play the Irish Open pro-am event alongside the teenager.

The world number three will be looking to win the tournament for the first time later this month, but he will first play a round with McKibbin after inviting the 13-year-old prospect to experience a round with him during his preparation for the event.

The 26-year-old is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "I played a round with Tom in Florida recently and he is the real deal.

"At only 13 years of age, I think he has a remarkable golfing future ahead of him. Having seen him play a couple of times now, he impresses me more each time."

McIlroy has missed the cut at the tournament on his past two visits.

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