McIlroy forms foundation to help children's charities

• By Golf Channel Digital
• Jan 10, 2013 9:00 AM ET

Rory McIlroy on Thursday announced the formation of The Rory Foundation, designed to help raise money for children’s charities.

McIlroy’s first fundraiser is called “The 6 Bags Project.” At each of his first six tournaments, a different children’s charity will adorn the side of his golf bag. After the tournament, the bag will be auctioned at www.roryfoundation.com, with the proceeds going directly to the charity on the bag.

“When I was younger, my parents sacrificed everything to allow me to play the game I love,” McIlroy said in a release. “Having that support from my family gave me the opportunity to chase my dreams. But I know that every child is not so fortunate. My aim is that The Rory Foundation will support children’s charities big and small, around the world, that try to give kids that helping hand.”

McIlroy also announced his first six tournaments of the season, through The Masters. One notable addition: the Shell Houston Open, where he played in 2009-10.

Those tournaments, with the accompanying charity:

HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship (Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children), WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship (Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson), Honda Classic (Child Protection Team of the Palm Beaches), WGC-Cadillac Championship (First Tee Miami-Dade Amateur Golf Association), Shell Houston Open (Chinquapin School), the Masters (TBA).