IF NOTHING ELSE, Rory McIlroy should have plenty of good karma on his side as he makes his way around Augusta National this weekend.

With millions of eyes around the world trained on his Masters challenge, McIlroy has given UNICEF a massive publicity boost by by debuting a new golf bag bearing the charity’s logo.

The world number two, who became an Ambassador for UNICEF Ireland last year and travelled to see their work in Haiti, will use the bag competitively for the first time this weekend.

The decision to offer UNICEF the branding space was an easy one, McIlroy said, adding that he plans to visit more of the charity’s projects later this year.

“A branding position became available on my bag and I knew right away that UNICEF was the correct fit.  I try to help out whenever I can, and I saw this as an opportunity to give UNICEF some added exposure and hopefully increase awareness for such a great cause.

I made my first UNICEF field visit to Haiti last June and that was a real eye opener for me.  The everyday things that we take for granted are so longed for in places like Haiti.  Nothing could prepare me for meeting the children there and I was truly amazed by how happy they were.

I am currently in discussions with UNICEF about making another field trip later this year, but we are yet to decide when or where that will be.

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