Ryan Giggs is hoping nerves do not get the better of him as he prepares to make his debut in the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am, playing alongside Rory McIlroy.
The Manchester United and Wales legend will join a star-studded line-up for the popular Wednesday event at Wentworth, including his former club team-mates Peter Schmeichel, Paul Scholes and Dwight Yorke.
Giggs, who made a record 963 appearances for United and won 13 Premier League titles in his glittering career, is certain to attract a large gallery as he partners McIlroy, a long-time United supporter, at the famous West Course on May 24.
“It’s a great honour, although a slightly scary one, to be asked to play with Rory,” said Giggs, who retired from football at the end of the 2013/14 season after a 24-year career. “I’m a big fan of his so I’m looking forward to catching up with him and seeing for myself how he plays the game.
“I play a lot of golf myself and really enjoy it, but it’s quite a different thing to go from just playing with your mates to partnering one of the best players in the world in front of thousands of people so I am a bit nervous. I’ll have to practice a bit before May!
“The BMW PGA Championship is always a great tournament and it will be one of the highlights of the summer to be involved in it.”
McIlroy is relishing the chance to share the stage with one of his sporting heroes as he returns to Wentworth for the first tournament of the European Tour’s inaugural Rolex Series.
The world No 3 earned a memorable win in 2014 when he turned a seven-shot deficit into a one-stroke victory with a superb final-round 66, although he missed the cut the following year and opted to miss the event due to a hectic schedule last summer.
“There are few bigger Man United legends in the history of the club than Giggsy, so to be able to tee it up alongside him for the pro-am at the BMW PGA Championship is going to be awesome,” said McIlroy, who is scheduled to return from a rib injury at the WGC-Mexico Championship next month.
“Ryan is one of those players who is hugely respected in sport for everything he achieved at the highest level. His professionalism and ability gave him a Man United career that was almost as long as a pro golfer’s career which is incredible.
“Not many sportsmen or women can say they were at the very top for decades but he is one of the special few. Hopefully I can give him a bit of help with his golf!”
Championship directer Jamie Birkmyre added: “To have someone of Ryan’s stature as the first name for this year’s Celebrity Pro-Am is fantastic news for the event, which has become a real fixture on the social calendar.
“He and Rory are sure to be a huge draw for fans, one of many, and we look forward to announcing more star names in the coming weeks.”
