Strong performances without winning have been a feature of Rory McIlroy's results over the past few weeks, but he is hoping to end this streak when making his debut at the Sun City Challenge.

The 20-year-old Northern Irish golfer has failed to see out a tournament since topping the leaderboard in the Dubai Desert Classic in February, with his most recent individual outing being a third-place finish behind Lee Westwood in the Dubai World Championship.

This outcome also ensured that he finished as the bridesmaid behind Westwood in the finalised European Tour money list standings.

Meanwhile, his most recent event saw him partnered with Graeme McDowell to represent Ireland in the Omega Mission Hills World Cup, when he again finished second behind Italy.

According to Reuters, McIlroy said: "It would be massive for me to win here and end the year on a high. It feels like every Sunday recently I've been disappointed even though I've played well.

"I've always watched this tournament on TV, it's an incredible course and it's really cool to now play it."

However, things failed to start positively for McIlroy in the 12-player event at the Gary Player Country Club, as prior to a rain delay he found himself propping up the leaderboard on two over after 15 holes.