Rory McIlroy joins Tiger Woods for Turkish Airlines Open

The 27-year-old, Rory McLLroy joins Tiger Woods, who is scheduled to appear in Antalya/Belek as his second tournament back from injury, in heading to Turkey for the third time in his career for the start of The Race to Dubai’s Final Series.

Having won the Tour Championship to finish at the top of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup standings, McIlroy travels to Turkey looking to boost his attempt to emulate Henrik Stenson and become just the second man in history to win both the FedEx Cup and the European Tour’s Race to Dubai in the same year.

It is another thrilling subplot in what is sure to be a fascinating week at Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort in Antalya/Belek, one of the world’s premium golf destinations.

Former world number one, Rory McIlroy said: “I’ve really enjoyed my previous trips to Turkey and can’t wait to get back there. I expected more from my first outing in 2012 but enjoyed a better showing in last year’s event with a share of 6^th place.

“This year I’ll be looking to go better as again the Turkish Airlines Open in Antalya/Belek will play a large part in deciding the outcome of the Race to Dubai.

“This is the start of an important run to the climax of the season. The Turkish Airlines Open in Antalya/Belek has already established itself as a key week in the golfing calendar and one I know all the guys really look forward to.”

İlkerAycı, Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines,shared his excitement:“Following the confirmation of Tiger Wood’s attendance, we are thrilled to be welcoming Rory McIlroy to the Turkish Airlines Open in Antalya/Belek for the third time. He is truly one of the heroes of the sport and having him compete will add to the excitement for fans and players alike. It promises to be the best tournament yet and we very much look forward to watching the action unfold.”

The Turkish Golf Federation is thrilled at the prospect of McIlroy joining the cast of stars in Antalya.

TGF president AhmetAğaoğlu said: “Our announcement about Tiger made a real statement and Rory confirming he will also be playing has added even more weight to the tournament.

“The previous three Turkish Airlines Opens have been incredible but we’re confident that this will be the best yet and having Europe’s top player and the FedEx Cup winner going head to head with an icon like Tiger Woods only adds to that belief. The start of the tournament cannot come soon enough.”

The Turkish Airlines Open takes place between November 3 and November 6 in Antalya/Belek, with 78 players battling it out for a $7 million prize fund.