Rory McIlroy in Kuala Lumpur
Despite the lengthy journey from Atlanta to Kuala Lumpur, Rory McIlroy remained in positive spirits as he arrived at the Malaysian Open after travelling 30 hours to the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club on the same plane as Masters winner Charl Schwartzel.
The young Northern Irishman continued to show his class though as he posted a picture on Twitter of himself and Schwartzel, wearing the green jacket that had looked destined for his own shoulders.
Despite the 21-year-old suffering his massive disappointment only on Sunday, he insisted he never thought about pulling out of the Kuala Lumpur event, showcasing the pride and determination which will surely see him get over his Masters disappointment.
"It was a long journey from Augusta, about 30 hours, but I'm looking forward to getting back on the saddle and putting last week's disappointment behind me," said McIlroy. "I've been excited about this event and never had any intention of pulling out.
"I can't wait to get out playing but a little disappointed my clubs will only be arriving later today. My caddie has been out walking the course and I take a lot of positives from what happened in the Masters."
McIlroy's clubs going missing en route to Malaysia have delayed his practice, although rest may be the order of the day after he arrived looking visibly weary after the journey.
"It hasn't happened often, its one of these things you can't help it, going through so many timezones and so many connecting flights your bags are going to get lost sometimes.
"Hopefully they turn up tonight and I'll be ready to go tomorrow."
McIlroy will tee off at the Malaysian Open for the first time alongside world number one Martin Kaymer and two-time tournament winner Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand.
Schwartzel plays with fellow South African and Open champion Louis Oosthuizen.
Good friends and in the same management stable, McIlroy once more showed his good nature by praising the man who eventually picked up the Masters title he threw away on Sunday.
"It was fine," McIlroy said of the journey with Schwartzel. "I've known Charl a long time and I'm happy for him, genuinely, he played great on Sunday. To go out and shoot 66 on the final day of the Masters to win was a great performance."
