Rory McIlroy says being shunned by former Manchester United captain Roy Keane is the reason why he always tries to make time for autograph hunters.
Footage of four-time major champion McIlroy giving an awe-struck young boy a golf ball as he walked to the 16th hole during his third round of the British Masters at Close House in Newcastle went viral at the weekend.
It was a moment the youngster won’t forget in a hurry with footage of the exchange and the youngster’s gobsmacked reaction being shared widely on social media.
By contrast, McIlroy, who is teeing it up in this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews, says he has never forgotten his own disappointing encounter when he was a boy with Republic of Ireland international Keane.
He said: “He should be one of my heroes as he was a Manchester United player.
“I asked for his autograph at Portmarnock Links Hotel when he was with the Ireland squad and he said no.
“I’m sure he is alright but that stuck with me ever since.
“That is why if a kid asks me for an autograph I always try to do it.
“I remember going to watch the World Match Play at Wentworth every October and getting golf balls from Mark O’Meara and Sam Torrance.
“I remember how I felt when that happened. I must use between six and nine balls per round and every time I need a new one I look for a young kid between holes to give it to.
“It was not anything out of the ordinary.
“Basically every golfer on tour does it so I was surprised that little moment became so big.
“But it just shows what a small thing to me can mean for a kid. It is a nice thing to be able to do.
“I have had it go the other way when I asked someone for an autograph when I was a kid and they didn’t give it to me and I have never liked them since.”
While many European Tour professionals would be reasonably content with a season that included five top-10s and two runner-up finishes, 2017 has largely been a frustrating year for McIlroy.
A persistent rib problem has hampered his progress but he would love to chalk up a victory at St Andrews this weekend in his last event before an extended break.
He added: “It hasn’t been the year I wanted in terms of my career but you’re going to have years that just don’t quite go your way.
“There are some things that are out of your control. I’ve tried my best to play well and persevere through an injury and it just hasn’t quite happened for me.
“This year has not been anywhere near as bad as the year as I had in 2013 and I bounced back from that pretty well the year after. Hopefully I can do the same next year.”