Rory McIlroy starts foundation to help children

The 23-year-old from Northern Ireland is geared toward work like this. Two years ago, he went to earthquake-ravaged Haiti the week before the U.S. Open to try to raise the spirits of children. He then won his first major at Congressional, setting a U.S. Open record at 16-under 268.

"When I was younger my parents sacrificed everything to allow me to play the game I love," McIlroy said. "Having that support from my family gave me the opportunity to chase my dreams. But I know that every child is not so fortunate. My aim is that The Rory Foundation will support children's charities big and small, around the world, that try to give kids that helping hand."

He starts with "The 6 Bags Project," in which he will display the name of a children's charity in each of the first six tournaments he plays. During the tournament, the bag will be auctioned through www.roryfoundation.com, with the money going to that charity.

The Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children will be on the bag at Abu Dhabi.

"This association with Rory will not only have a significant impact on children and young people who look up to Rory and are inspired by him, but will also help to maintain Rory's very important links to Northern Ireland and he moves increasingly into a global circuit," said Gillian Cleery, the CEO of the charity.