Cape Town - World number one Rory McIlroy says he will repay Ernie Els by playing in the SA Open "in the next couple of years".
Leading South African golfer Els finished for in a tie for 43rd on 10-over par in last week's Irish Open, the event hosted by Rory McIlroy.
Els enjoyed his time at Ireland's Royal County Down golf course, believing that the course and the consistently tough conditions was good preparation for the year's second major - the US Open at Chambers Bay.
Els' trip to the Irish Open seems like it will have a massive spin-off for golf in his home country.
According to Compleat Golfer, McIlory has confirmed his intention to thank Els by travelling to South Africa to play in the SA Open.
“I’m definitely going down to South Africa one of the next couple of years to play in the SA Open with Ernie,” said McIlroy.