Rory McIlroy made the most of his recent off-season relaxation by joining Borussia Dortmund fans for the Matchday 16 encounter against Bayer Leverkusen at the Signal Iduna Park.

After a glorious conclusion to his DP World Tour 2024 in Dubai, McIlroy took two months off from golf. Instead of swing analysis and putting drills, the passionate Manchester United fan focused on relaxation and experiences away from the course.

"I tried to have fun," McIlroy explained. "In my free time I went on a few trips. (One) Friday evening I went to a Borussia Dortmund game. I just did things that I always wanted to do."

Said fixture was the Black-and-Yellows' 3-2 home reverse against Bayer Leverkusen in the teams' first game back following the winter break. McIlroy found himself in the middle of the legendary Yellow Wall - the 25,000 capacity south stand at Dortmund that is known around the world for its incredible atmosphere.

This year could hardly have started better for McIlroy, and not just because of his unforgettable stadium experience in Dortmund. For the fourth time, the Northern Irishman was named Player of the Year by the members of the DP World Tour.

Along with his adventure in North Rhine-Westphalia, the world star also enjoyed a trip to New Zealand, yet the return to golfing action begins this weekend. The 35-year-old is back on the fairways in Dubai as defending champion at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. "I still have a lot of time between now and April to put in the work and get my game in shape," he said.

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With the passionate roars from the Yellow Wall still ringing in his ears, McIlroy will no doubt take to a new season with renewed vigour.  

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Borussia Dortmund

SIGNAL IDUNA PARK