In the archive video dating from 1999, nine-year-old Rory – who had just been crowned the Under-10 World Champion in Florida – is seen chipping balls into the drum of a washing machine on the Kelly Show in front of a live studio audience.

Young Rory tells Gerry that chipping air balls along the hall of his Holywood home, through the kitchen door and into his mum’s washing machine is part of his training.

When asked what the best part of his game is, Rory says: “Chipping.”

Ha. Awesome. I don’t mean to spoil the adorableness of it all, but is it just me, or does that host get a little too handsy with Rory during the chipping demonstration? A bit awkward if you ask me.

In video: Rory & the washing machine [UTV (via The Telegraph)]