In-demand McIlroy the world's most marketable young golfer

The gifted Northern Irishman has been identified by golf agents worldwide as the sport's most marketable player under the age of 25.

McIlroy, 21, was a clear winner ahead of United States rival Rickie Fowler. Agents representing more than 200 players were surveyed.

The US are untouchable when it comes to the most marketable golfers of all time though, with Tiger Woods in top spot above Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, in joint second. The results are revealed in a report published by KPMG's golf advisory practice in Europe, the Middle East and Africa following three months' research.

The survey – The Business of Professional Tournament Golf – was presented ahead of yesterday's Ryder Cup opening ceremony at Celtic Manor.

Key findings point to professional tournament golf being in a "relatively resilient" state despite the economic downturn, with "strong potential" for growth in Asia and South America.

America's PGA Tour remains the richest with total prize money of 196.4m euros in 2009, with the European Tour on 135m euros last year.

The report also estimates that players world-ranked among the top 50 almost double their prize money with off-course earnings including sponsorships and endorsements.

"With three in every 10,000 people playing golf in South America, and a total population of nearly 380 million, there appears to be a significant development opportunity", said the report's chief Andrea Sartori.