The first degree: McIlroy to receive honor
- By Ryan Ballengee
- Jan 27, 2012 5:13 PM ET
Rory McIlroy is once again proving he is a golf master this week at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Champions, but the U.S. Open champion is about the become a doctor.
The University of Ulster will recognize McIlroy with a Doctor of Science degree for his contribution to golf. Last June, McIlroy became the youngest winner of the U.S. Open since Bobby Jones in 1923.
“Rory McIlroy has quickly established himself as a major force in international golf as a major winner and Ryder Cup hero,” the university said in a release, according to the U.K.-based Daily Mail.
He joins major-winning countrymen Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke as recipients of the honor.
McIlroy will be recognized alongside Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The honorary degrees will be conferred during summer and winter graduation ceremonies.
Ballengee is a GolfChannel.com contributor who writes exclusively for GolfTalkCentral.
Latest News
GolfTalkCentral- Tiger advances; No. 1 Donald falls | Scores
- Tiger Tracker: Woods survives vs. Gonzo
- Day 2 predictions: Snead/Player | Hogan/Jones
- Running blog: Day 1 at the WGC-Match Play
- Day 1 recaps from Dove Mountain | Bracket
- FedEx extends sponsorship of Cup by five years
- Wagner set to defend at Mayakoba | Tee Times
- Bracket-by-bracket Match Play breakdown
- Bradley: Tough week 'put things into perspective'
- Donald picks up his 2011 hardware ... barely
- Tseng seeks first Singapore victory | Scores
- Golf Channel teaming up with First Tee program
