91Èȱ¬

World number one Rory McIlroy has promised to donate his prize money from this week's Irish Open to his charity.

The Rory Foundation, the official host of this week's event, will benefit to the tune of £294,000 if the Northern Irishman wins at Royal County Down.

McIlroy's foundation helps children's charities and its short break centre for families affected by cancer is close to the tournament venue.

"I am not really playing for myself this week," said the 26-year-old.

"When the European Tour approached us about getting involved, we thought it was a perfect way to really kick-start the foundation and start to help other people because of who I am and what I do.

"So honestly, what I want to get out of it this year is just to raise a lot of money for the foundation for the cancer fund, and ultimately if I play well, and if I do well in the tournament, then all the money that I earn is going to go towards that as well.

"I am playing for a lot of other people and it gives me an incentive to go out there and enjoy it and try to play well."

McIlroy has missed the cut in the Irish Open for the last two years, but is looking for his third win in five events following victory in the WGC-Cadillac Match Play and the Wells Fargo tournament at Quail Hollow.

"I feel very prepared. Wednesday's pro-am was my third practice round. I haven't played three practice rounds for a tournament since the Masters," added McIlroy.

"I really just want to do well this week and missing the cut at Wentworth has given me a bit of extra time which I think I can use."

McIlroy's involvement in the event has resulted in a top-class field, with Players Championship winner Rickie Fowler one of the star attractions.

McIlroy hosted a Q&A with Fowler and Sergio Garcia on Tuesday at Daisy Lodge, the centre he opened last October which offers short breaks to families affected by cancer.