“I played with a kid called Galvin Green, who is absolutely awesome,” said McIlroy, who turned professional last September after a stellar amateur career.

“I really can’t get over how good he is, and that really made the day. He is the world under-eight champion and plays off a nine handicap.

“He is better than I was at his age and an incredibly talented prospect for the future. It was nice to play with him – and even though I played pretty well, he made me look pretty average.

“He carried it 170 yards in the air, and there was no roll. He reminded me of Gary Wolstenholme, because he was so good with his woods.

“I don’t know what height he is, chest high on me, 4ft 7in maybe. But he is a strong kid and has solid legs and quite big forearms for a kid of that age.

“I was playing off a 20 handicap at the age of eight. I got down to single figures when I was 11, so he is three years ahead of me.”

McIlroy was no slouch himself as he put together a solid round on the Ross Watson-designed course near Kuala Lumpur, highlighted by his hole-in-one at the fourth.

“It was my fifth ’ace’, but I have not had one since I was 12 – so I have been waiting six years,” said the Ulsterman, who holed out from 168 yards with a seven iron.

“I shot 63, so played nicely. It was a good day all round, and the course is in nice condition. I am looking forward to the week ahead – if I can keep it going I will be happy.”

McIlroy has never played in Malaysia before but likes what he has seen so far of the Kota Permai course, which is hosting this tournament for the first time.

“It is a very old-fashioned, traditional lay-out, and the greens are great,” he said.

“The rain has helped soften it up, and the greens are rolling great. There are a few thick patches of rough, which could be a problem – but other than that it is okay.

“It’s a lot hotter, and I’m a bit sweaty. But I am really looking forward to the week.”