Monday 18 September 2017 17:44, UK
Rory McIlroy has been added to the field for next week’s British Masters supported by Sky Sports.
The four-time major champion heads to the north east to headline the event at Close House, in the tournament where he made both his professional debut and first start in a professional event.
McIlroy received a sponsor's invited for the 2005 tournament while still an amateur, where he missed the cut, before appearing two years later just two days after turning professional.
The world No 8 is joined in a star-studded line-up in Northumberland by several of his 2016 Ryder Cup teammates, including Masters champion Sergio Garcia and tournament host Lee Westwood.
McIlroy has been hampered by rib and back injuries during 2017, with the 28-year-old failing to qualify for the PGA Tour's season-ending Tour Championship in his attempt to defend his FedExCup title.
The Northern Irishman said ahead of the FedExCup play-offs he would play a maximum of five more events in 2017 before shutting down for the year, but has now added the British Masters to his schedule ahead of playing the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
"I'm looking forward to playing my first British Masters for a while," McIlroy said. "I kind of had it in the back of my mind that if I didn't make the Tour Championship then there was a chance to tee it up at Close House, so I have decided to do that before finishing my season off the next week at the Dunhill Links.
"I'm pleased to be able to support Lee Westwood next week as well. I know what it's like to be a tournament host so I know how much the British Masters means to Lee this year. It looks like he has done a brilliant job along with Sky Sports and Close House in putting the event together and hopefully the crowds will come support us.
"Teeing it up next week gives me one more chance to end 2017 on a high as well. If I can sign off the year with a win or two in Newcastle and then St Andrews I would take so many positives into my six-week recovery period when I am going to reset mentally and physically and concentrate on getting myself in the right shape for next year."
Tournament host Lee Westwood added: "It is great news that Rory will be coming to Close House next week for the British Masters. Everything is shaping up nicely for the tournament and Rory is another great player for the fans to come and see in action at Close House."
Watch the British Masters throughout the week live on Sky Sports Golf. Live coverage begins with the Hero Challenge on Tuesday September 26 at 7.30pm.
