Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hospitality company and a member of Dubai Holding, has signed a new 3-year sponsorship deal with the 20-year-old golfing phenomenon Rory McIlroy.

Rory McIlroy first became a Global Ambassador for Jumeirah Group shortly after turning professional in 2007 at the age of 18. By 2009 he had won his first major tournament, the Dubai Desert Classic, which he is defending this week in Dubai. He has also secured second place in the inaugural European Tour Race to Dubai as well the UBS Hong Kong Open. He opened 2010 a close third in the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and currently stands 9th in the World Rankings.

“Jumeirah is immensely proud to renew its sponsorship of Rory McIlroy. What he has achieved in the past three years is so impressive and we could not wish for a better sportsman to carry our banner globally,” said Gerald Lawless, executive chairman, Jumeirah Group.

“Player/sponsor relationships don’t come any closer to the perfect fit that Rory and Jumeirah have developed. They are two growing global brands, oozing class and quality wherever they reach,” stated Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler, managing director of ISM, Rory McIlroy’s management company.

“One of the greatest things about my links with Jumeirah is how much fun I have wherever I stay, from the unbelievable Burj Al Arab and the other Jumeirah properties in Dubai and London plus Jumeirah Essex House in New York. Fun and top quality, perfect for me,” said Rory McIlroy.-TradeArabia News Service