Love match for Wozniacki, birdie for McIlroy

Golf superstar Rory McIlroy has snared the most important birdie of his life, announcing his engagement to tennis ace Caroline Wozniacki.

McIlroy used the New Year’s Eve fireworks at Sydney Harbour as the spectacular backdrop for his midnight proposal, with the sporting love match hitting Twitter to make their big announcement.

‘‘ Happy New Year everyone! I have a feeling it’s going to be a great year!! My first victory of 2014 shesaidyes!!’’ McIlroy tweeted yesterday morning.

Wozniacki, 23, proudly posted a photo of her diamond engagement ring.

‘‘ Happy New Year everyone! Rory and I started 2014 with a bang! ... I said YES!!!’’ Wozniacki tweeted.

The two former world No 1s celebrated New Year’s Eve in Sydney as Wozniacki prepares for the Australian Open starting on January 13.

The Dane withdrew from this week’s Brisbane International citing a sore serving shoulder but still plans to contest the Sydney International starting on Sunday.

McIlroy’s engagement rounds out a memorable month for the Northern Irishman after he ran down Adam Scott to win the Australian Open at Royal Sydney for his first tournament success in an otherwise disappointing 2013 on the course.

After starting the season as world No 1, McIlroy ended the year ranked sixth – but celebrating his greatest conquest in Australia.

While the glamour couple spend months of the year apart, they still support each other in their respective pursuits whenever they can, with Wozniacki donning overalls to caddie for McIlroy in a par- three competition on the eve of this year’s Masters.

They won’t be the first famous golftennis double act to get married. Greg Norman — like McIlroy, a two- time major champion – wedded fellow former world No 1 Chris Evert in 2008. Norman and Evert’s marriage lasted only 15 months before the two divorced.