Rory McIlroy, the 20-year-old Northern Irish professional golfer, signed a three year deal with Dubai based luxury hospitality company Jumeirah Group.  McIlroy, who currently ranks ninth in the world, signed the agreement on Tuesday before the start of the Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Course in Dubai.  He said in a statement “Jumeirah has given me a home away from home – they have made me and my family feel so welcome and I feel it was no coincidence that my greatest achievement to date took place in Dubai last year.” 

McIlroy became a global ambassador for Jumeirah Group after turning professional in 2007.  He won the Dubai Desert Classic in 2009 –his first major tournament, and is defending the title this week.  Jumeirah Group’s executive chairman Gerald Lawless said “Jumeirah is extremely proud to renew its sponsorship of Rory McIlroy.”