McIlroy aims to follow in Norman’s footsteps
Northern Irishman sets his sights on Australian Open title
Rory McIlroy says he admires most things Australian, particularly Russell Crowe and Greg Norman, and would like nothing more than to get his hands on the Australian Open golf trophy this week.
The Northern Irishman is playing the event at Royal Sydney from Thursday and revealed Australians figure highly in people he reveres, but admitted another Australian icon, Vegemite, was not to his taste.
“Russell Crowe’s always been my favourite Australian actor and my favourite all-time Australian golfer is Greg Norman,” he said on Tuesday.
I don’t mind the meat pies but just can’t get used to Vegemite, it’s definitely an Australian-born acquired taste
“I don’t mind the meat pies but just can’t get used to Vegemite, it’s definitely an Australian-born acquired taste,” he said of the thick black spread made from yeast extract.
The former world number one will tee-up this week looking for his first win in over 12 months, with locals Adam Scott and Jason Day his main challengers.
While the likes of Norman, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player have won the event in the past, McIlroy is gunning to be only the second European after England’s Lee Westwood to claim victory.
He said Norman was an idol and winning in Australia would be a huge moment for him.