Phelan follows in McIlroy's footsteps with FL Partners deal

Kevin Phelan has secured his first major sponsor in FL Partners. Picture: David Lloyd / www.golffile.ie

Waterford rookie Kevin Phelan has landed a sponsorship deal with the same company that first backed Rory McIlroy - Dublin-based investment boutique, FL Partners.

The 23-year-old, who also impressed at last year’s US Open before winning two points out of three for Great Britain and Ireland at the Walker Cup, will wear the company logo on his left sleeve.

“I am delighted FL Partners has chosen to support me,” said Phelan, who finished 24th at the Alfred Dunhill Championship - his first tournament as a card-carrying Tour professional - and is in action at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship this week on a sponsor's invitation.

“I am determined to make my first season on the European Tour a success and hope to reward FL Partners’ faith in me with as many strong performances as possible.”

Managed by Chubby Chandler at ISM, Phelan received a glowing endorsement from FL Partners’ co-founder, Neill Hughes.

“The last few years have been incredibly successful for Irish golf and we believe Kevin is capable of reaching similarly lofty heights in due course,” said Hughes. “We wish him all the best in his rookie season on the European Tour.”