Golf fans watching the 2025 Amgen Irish Open might have noticed something different about Rory McIlroy on Saturday.
The reigning Masters champion turned up to the K Club for his third round with a little green ribbon pinned to his Nike cap.
No, it wasn’t a nod to his victory at Augusta National in April – there was a more powerful reason why.
McIlroy and the rest of the field at the DP World Tour event are showing support for the Make-A-Wish foundation.
Make-A-Wish is an international organisation that grants life-changing wishes to children diagnosed with critical illnesses.
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It has been the official charity partner of the national open since 2023. Back then, McIlroy played a hole of golf with seven-year-old Michael Horgan.
Michael’s initial wish was to receive a personalised video message from McIlroy, but the multiple major champ went one step further.
McIlroy invited Michael, who was living with a brain tumour, to join in a buggy ride to watch the professionals up close.
Little Michael even helped the golfer with his yardages on the final hole of his practice round.
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McIlroy said the experience put his own life into perspective.
This week, the tournament sponsor has pledged to donate €3 for every person wearing something green.
Amgen is also pledging to donate €300 for every birdie or better.
The concept is similar to the ‘Play Yellow’ charitable campaign created by Jack Nicklaus and his wife Barbara.
Shane Lowry makes a wish come true
Earlier in the week, Shane Lowry made a wish come true for 11-year-old Dáire Coyle.
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Dáire was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia when he was six weeks old – but is now in remission.
His dream was to play some golf with the 2019 Open champion.
Lowry obliged and spoke about the experience in his pre-tournament news conference.
“Obviously Make-A-Wish is a great organisation and do a lot for kids.” he said.
“Dáire has recovered from leukaemia and he’s out the other side, and he loves his golf.
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“He told me his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, which is… oh, well, he’s probably mine as well.
“Yeah, Make-A-Wish is a great thing. We obviously are involved with them, and the Irish Open is involved with them every year, and what they do here is pretty cool. It was nice to be involved with that.”
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