Greg Norman has admitted he is a huge fan of Holywood starlet Rory McIlroy.

The 20-year-old is aiming to become the new European number one on the Earth Course, venue for this weekend's Dubai World Championship.

Course designer Greg Norman is looking forward to seeing McIlroy go for glory in Europe's end-of-season showpiece.

Even the Shark, more a hard-nosed businessman than golfing predator nowadays, is moved to hyperbole by the swashbuckling style of the prodigy from County Down.

“What Rory has the opportunity to achieve this week (in becoming the youngest winner of the Order of Merit since Seve in 1976) is indicative of the game at the moment,” said Norman, adding: “He's the tip of a global iceberg of young golfing talent.”

McIlroy's staggering development into a major player on Tour can be charted in several ways. Shortly after turning pro in October 2007, for example, the Holywood starlet traded up to an Audi RS sports car — yet nowadays he

drives Italian super cars, last month swopping his first Ferrari for a Lamborghini.

Born, reared and, less than two years ago, still living in the neat Holywood house owned by his mum Rosie and dad Gerry, McIlroy recently moved into a home fit for a golfing prince in Moneyreagh. His folks have settled into the lodge on the 13-acre estate, where McIlroy will develop a full-scale driving range and short game practice facility.

A four-way battle between McIlroy, Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Ross Fisher will bring the European Order of Merit to its most exciting climax in years.

Nobody disputes the authenticity of the golf course either. At 7,625 yards, it's one of the longest on Tour this season, but as Graeme McDowell, one of six Irish players in the elite 58-man field, explained: “There's no massive advantage to hitting it a long way here.

“There's a lot of run-outs at 300 yards, which puts a smile on my face. You've got to be accurate off the tee. The course is well defended by bunkers, while the greens are well protected by hills, humps and hollows and little linksy-style run-offs.”