4/09/2015

Niall Horan in Wrong Direction

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Niall Horan took a tumble as he caddied for world No 1 Rory McIlroy at the annual Masters Par 3 Contest.

Most players treat the contest as light relief and invite family or friends to act as their caddies, with Horan invited by McIlroy back in December during a meeting in Australia.

The 1D star found the hazard when attempting a shot during the final hole and despite his slip on his way to being interviewed by Kirsty Gallacher, admits it was an enjoyable experience.

“It’s just great to be at Augusta,” Horan told Sky Sports 4. “I knew about a year ago I had the time off to come to it. Then I met this man (McIlroy) and he asked me, 'did I want to carry the bag on Wednesday?' Of course, if the world No 1 asks you to carry his bag you carry it!

On getting to play in front of a large crowd, he added: “I can’t say I’ve been that nervous in a long time! It was tough, but it was alright!

“It’s great to be around Rory. It’s a big week for him and hopefully come Sunday he’ll have a green jacket on his back."

McIlroy completed his Masters preparations by finishing the Par 3 Contest one-under and revealed a special agreement with his new caddie.

McIlroy said: "The deal was if I made him hit a shot here, they’re playing in Boston when I’m there at the end of summer and I’ll have to go up on stage and maybe sing a few lines, so (I'm) not looking forward to that!

"It has been a great afternoon and he’s a great sport for doing it."