Golf: Fireworks spark for McIlroy and Wozniacki

Caroline Wozniacki caddied for Rory McIlroy at a par three competition last year. Photo / AP

Golf superstar Rory McIlroy has announced his engagement to tennis ace Caroline Wozniacki.

McIlroy used the New Year's Eve fireworks at Sydney Harbour as the 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, saying she said "YES!!!" after McIlroy popped the question.

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

The two former world No1s 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 of an otherwise disappointing 2013 on the course.

After starting the season as world No1, McIlroy ended the year ranked sixth - but celebrating his greatest conquest in Australia.

McIlroy and Wozniacki, who began dating in 2011, spend months of the year apart, but 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 last year's Masters.

They won't be the first famous golf-tennis double act to get married, with Greg Norman - like McIlroy a two-time major champion - wedding fellow former world No1 Chris Evert in 2008, although the marriage lasted only 15 months.

- AAP