It’s been 17 years since Rory McIlroy visited Mount Juliet Estate, host venue for this week’s Irish Open.
Back then, he was just a hotshot kid with a moptop who had begun to make a name for himself in the Irish amateur scene. Following the final round of the 2004 WGC-American Express Championship, he spent time in the clubhouse mingling with winner Ernie Els, as well as Darren Clarke and agent-to-the-stars Chubby Chandler.
Two years before that, McIlroy had even better memories.
“The last time I was on the 18th green here was during the prize ceremony, when Tiger won,” McIlroy told reporters on Tuesday, referring to Woods’ WGC victory at Mount Juliet Estate in 2002.