Rory McIlroy makes a dream come true for the boy, 7, as he putts at the K Club

The world’s second-biggest golfer received an inquiry from Make-A-Wish Ireland, the tournament’s official charity, asking if Michael Horgan, 7, could meet his hero.

So McIlroy picked Michael up on the ninth tee and drove him in a buggy to his ball, then allowed the youngster to use his range finder to give him the distance to the pin.

The four-time Major winner missed his birdie putt – but determined to make it a special occasion, he gifted Michael his own custom-made putter so he could hit a few putts himself.

“I’ve done a few different things with Make-A-Wish and various children’s charities over the years, and it’s always been very fulfilling to be able to do that,” said McIlroy, who signed the head cover for Michael’s new club.

“But I think when you have a child of your own … I’m very fortunate that we have a healthy little girl who is very happy.

“There are many people in the world who would give up anything to have what we have in a healthy child.

“It puts a lot of things in perspective and just makes you very thankful for what you have.”

The couple hugged as they parted, and McIlroy called out to his new friend, “Europe for the Ryder Cup, Ireland for the World Cup!”

Rory McIlroy trains ahead of the Irish Open

McIlroy will have a chance to raise much-needed funds for Make-A-Wish Ireland at this week’s $6 million event.

A total of nearly €121,000 was raised at last year’s Irish Open and the Birdies for Wishes campaign – which helped raise €37,000 – will return this year alongside several other fundraising initiatives.

Tournament sponsor Horizon has pledged to donate €150 for each birdie and €300 for each eagle over the four rounds of the tournament at the 18th hole at the K Club in Straffan, Co Kildare.

In addition, the company will donate €5,000 if a player makes an albatross on the 18th hole.

Former Ryder Cup captain Pádraig Harrington is an ambassador for Make-A-Wish Ireland, donating €500 for every birdie and €1,000 for every eagle he makes.

“I’ve been a Make-a-Wish ambassador here in Ireland for a while,” said Harrington.

“We are able to get incredibly good results on the golf course. I think many players have their own foundations and provide a lot of support.

“Part of the reason is that we’re giving back because we’re in such a great position. With Make-a-Wish, like some of the charities I work with, when you actually do something with them, it can be quite dramatic.

“You have a child who is terminally ill or very ill and that can be difficult, but when you do it you gain so much yourself from being there and helping and helping a family and you just realize how privileged you are.” .

“It’s one of the best things you can do in life to help out.

Another Irish star, Seamus Power, a K Club touring pro, is also planning to donate although he is out injured.