Golf's newest superstar Rory McIlroy will headline this year's Hong Kong Open in a major coup for the event, organisers said Friday.

The 22-year-old, whose breathtaking eight-shot US Open win drew comparisons with Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, will hope for his first victory in Hong Kong after placing sixth last year and reaching a play-off in 2009.

"It will be very special to be announced on the first tee as the US Open Champion and hopefully I can bring some of that form to Hong Kong and give the fans a great show," McIlroy said.

"It is such an amazing city with a very special energy and every time I go there I just love the place," he added.

Reports said organisers of the December event secured the in-demand Northern Irishman for a cut-price fee as he was tied to a two-year deal.

© 2011 AFP/sid