Jumeirah signs new deal with Rory McIlroy

Lawless and Mcilroy shake on the deal [Getty Images].

Golf professional Rory McIlroy has signed a three-year sponsorship deal with the Dubai-based luxury hospitality company Jumeirah Group.

The deal with the 20-year-old Northern Irish golfer, who currently stands ninth in the world rankings, was signed on Tuesday prior to the start of the Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Course in Dubai.

“Jumeirah has given me a home away from home – they have made me and my family feel so welcome and I feel it was no coincidence that my greatest achievement to date took place here in Dubai last year,” McIlroy said in a statement.

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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.

“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, Jumeirah Group’s executive chairman.