McIlroy recalls Keane snub

Rory McIlroy, the golfing world's number six, recalled an incident from his childhood when he met the infamously hot-tempered Ireland footballer Roy Keane and spoke about the impact the moment had on him.

McIlroy had approached Keane for an autograph but perhaps in one of his 'moods', the former Manchester United skipper turned down his request. McIlroy added that it was a moment which made him decide that he would never leave any of his fans hanging when they reached out to him for an autograph.

"I went and asked him [Keane] for his autograph at the Portmarnock Links Hotel and he said 'no'. I'm sure he's alright, but it sort of stuck with me ever since," said McIlroy, speaking before the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Fife.

"I've had it go the other way, where I've asked someone for an autograph as a kid and they didn't give it to me and I've never liked them since. So if a kid asks me for an autograph, I always try to do it."

The Northern Irishman and four-time Major winner made a young fan's day at last week's British Masters by handing over his golf ball -- typical of his warm behaviour towards younger fans in general.

The former world number one, who plays his first round at the Old Course in St Andrews on Thursday, said he goes through between six and nine balls per round.

"Every time I need a new one I look for a young kid in the crowd between holes to give it to them," the 28-year-old said.

"I was surprised how that little moment last week became so big. But it just shows what such a small thing to me can mean to a kid, and that kid might be inspired to go and play."

Asked whether he would oblige if Keane ever asked him for his autograph, McIlroy said: "Only if he gives me his..."