Rory McIlroy, the rising star of European golf, has signalled his desire to win the Malaysian Open after producing some scintillating golf in Tuesday’s Pro-Am.

The 18-year-old shot a nine-under par round of 63, which included a hole-in-one to set him up for the start of the tournament on Thursday.

McIlroy, the 2007 world amateur No 1, said he was hoping to enjoy a memorable first visit to Malaysia.

"It is my first time here and I am very impressed with the golf course, “he said. “It is a very old-fashioned, traditional layout and the greens are great. The rain has helped soften it up and the greens are rolling great.”

The event which takes place at the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club, sees the golfers from the European and Asian tours come face to face with the likes of No 1 Liang Wen-chong of China, India's Arjun Atwal, Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee and Ryder Cup stalwarts Darren Clarke, David Howell and Paul McGinley.

Mark Brown, the leader of the Asian Tour's Order of Merit, will be looking to follow up his victory in then Johnnie Walker Classic after rising to 64th in the world.