Northern Irish teenager Rory McIlroy is targeting the Malaysian Open for his first title as a professional.

The 18-year-old is being tipped for the top after a successful amateur career and impressive performances on the European Tour since turning pro last year.

McIlroy will be joined by European Ryder Cup players Darren Clarke and David Howell, and leading Asians Thongchai Jaidee, of Thailand, and India's Jeev Milkha Singh, for the $2 million co-sanctioned event from March 6-9 in Kuala Lumpur.

"I am looking forward to my debut at the Malaysian Open, and I hope to get my first professional win under my belt soon and break into the world's top 100 so I will be giving my all in this tournament," McIlroy said.

McIlroy was recorded to have hit a 40-yard drive when he was two years old and sank a hole-in-one at the age of nine.

He shot 68 to share third place after the first round of last year's British Open at Carnoustie before finishing the tournament as the leading amateur in a tie for 42nd.

Reuters