Being the No.2 in the world does elicit some sort of stardom and as a result, fans. However, what if the second-best himself becomes a fanboy? Well, that is exactly what happened with Rory McIlroy as he divulged his favorite celebrities and athletes a while back. But, surprisingly, some of them seemed to differ from his former choice of idols.

A tweet was shared by Bleacher Report on X showcasing an interview with the Northern Irishman ahead of Capital One’s The Match. During the same, he was spotted fanboying over the likes of “Lionel Messi, Brad Pitt, and Jay Z”, when asked about “One athlete, artist, and actor you’d(sic) like to play a round with!”

Back in 2014, in an interview, the PGA Tour pro revealed his wishes to become a sporting legend just like how Messi and Roger Federer are in their respective sports. “Star power is what drives sport,” said a then-25-year-old McIlroy before continuing, “Messi, Federer – those guys are the pinnacle.” Meanwhile, he also confessed his aim to become “one of the best that’s ever played” all the while admitting how he is a long way from the same.

Moving on to Jay Z. The 4-time major champ seems to have changed his choice of artists as he had, back in 2015, discussed his love for the rapper Kanye West along with his dream of playing against the musician. Adding on, the then-world No.1 said, “I would love to spend four or five hours in his ­company just to see what he’s like,” before dubbing the whole interaction as nothing short of “interesting.”

What about Brad Pitt? Once again the 24-time PGA Tour champ seems to have had a change of heart. The golfer, in 2021, had expressed his ardent love for Adam Sandler’s 1996 comedy movie Happy Gilmore where the actor plays an athlete who tries to win money for his grandmother through golf. Meanwhile, the Northern Irishman had sent an honorary Gold Jacket and commemorative Calamity Jane putter replica to the American artist ahead of the 2021 Tour Championship.

Moreover, while sending the two, he shared a video message as well expressing his gratitude towards Sandler. “I just want to say thanks for all the laughs you’ve given us over the years. Happy Gilmore is one of my favorite movies…,” said the professional as he continued, “I’d love to meet you one day. Hopefully, we can catch up soon.” Well, despite his confessions, it seems the golfer did go ahead and change his favorites ahead of Capital One ‘The Match’.

Rory McIlroy tees it off at the 9th edition of ‘The Match’

McIlroy would square off against the likes of Max Homa, Lexi Thompson, and Rose Zhang in what can be dubbed the first time that pros from the men’s circuit will see themselves tee it up alongside athletes from the LPGA Tour. What’s more, it would witness the four golfers compete against each other individually and in a mixed skins format.

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In this unique event, the four players would initially tee off from the same tees for the four par-3 holes following which the remaining eight would involve varying yardages tailored for both the male and female pros. One thing is for sure, the captivating 12-hole display set against the backdrop of illuminated night play would be nothing short of exciting.

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