Ideas to increase Mcilroy's worldwide brand

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Rory McIlroy (shown here with Phil Mickelson in China) is already regarded as one of the best players without a major title.

It won't be long before Rory McIlroy joins the PGA TOUR. His presence is expected to add a new dimension of excitement to professional golf, as the youngster from Northern Ireland is the most anticipated addition to the U.S. golf scene since Tiger Woods left Stanford and began his ascent to No. 1.

McIlroy is only 20 years old, but is already ranked 10th in the Official World Golf Ranking and finished second on the European Tour's Order of Merit. He's got the ability to win on the course, as well as the charisma to win off the course.

In fact, McIlroy might help jolt the economy back on track in so many areas once he arrives in the States. President Obama has even considered giving him the coveted "expresso" ranking in terms of potential economic impact. He could bring quite a jolt to our shores: additional jobs, a stable dollar, more imports.

Here are just a few sectors of the U.S. and world economy that might benefit from Rory-mania, scheduled to arrive sometime very soon.

Hair stylists: The people at Great Clips, the Hair Cuttery and Walt's Barber Shop will need to be prepared for the young guys who come in and ask for the "McIlroy." While McIlroy's wild look may be popular with the younger fans, it could have an adverse effect on business; he often waits many months between shearings. McIlroy once joked that he cut his hair to avoid being mistaken for his pet labradoodle.

Social media: Like most young people, McIlroy has his own website, as well as a presence on Facebook and Twitter. Since he actually seems to be having some fun with his website, more traffic could be coming down the information superhighway as McIlroy becomes more familiar with the general population. Those pay-per-click ads could be the recipient of a financial boon, so Tweet away.

Travel industry: Travelocity and Orbitz should be ready for a rush of interest from those who want to retrace McIlroy's roots back to Holywood, Northern Ireland. The town of about 12,000 residents, famous for its maypole at the center of town, is only a few kilometers northeast of Belfast off the A2, with a lovely view of the Belfast Lough. While visiting Holywood -- please, only one "l" -- tourists can also take in the home of humorist Garth Ennis and professional rugby star Darren Cave.

Fast food companies: While traveling to a recent tournament, McIlroy made mention on his website of the fact that he ate at a Burger King. Could this lead to some guest appearances with "The King" (the actor with the big plastic head, not Arnold Palmer) on a future commercial? Or could we expect to see a line of Rory McIlroy action figures as a premium with the company's Kids Meals? Just the fact that a famous athlete says it's OK to eat fast food is as refreshing as a 32-ounce soft drink refill.

Magazines: There's no question that the magazine industry in the United States has taken a big hit the last few years, with many of the top publications cutting back publication size and frequency. What better to infuse a little interest than a 20-year-old famous golfer?

Hollywood: McIlroy has big box office written all of him. Think of it like "Twilight," but with a 5-iron instead of fangs. McIlroy scores high among segments of the population that "want to pinch his cheeks," and he's already been approached about starring several motion pictures, among them: "You, Me and the Irish Sea," "Batman With a Brogue," and the "Darren Cave Story."

Here's hoping the fame won't change him and that he'll be able to focus on golf. We're all looking forward to what he'll bring to the table.

Stan Awtrey is a freelance columnist for PGATOUR.COM. His views do not necessarily reflect the views of the PGA TOUR.