McIlroy (22), a painter and decorator, has won the Speight's-sponsored event twice in the past three years and needs one more title to equal the three won by former international Rowan Brassey (North Shore).
"I've had a very good run and will be trying my hardest to equal Rowan's record. That would be a milestone for me."
It will not be easy because McIlroy plays Shaun Scott (North East Valley), last year's beaten finalist, in the first round of section play at the North East Valley green this afternoon.
McIlroy rates Scott as one of his toughest opponents, and the others he is watching are New Zealand singles champion Richard Collett (Counties) and Jamie Hill (Auckland).
He also recognises possible dark horses in Dan Delany (Auckland) and Steve Posa (Waikato).
McIlroy is not complacent and came to Dunedin early to practise on the North East Valley green.
"It is the best singles tournament in New Zealand," he said.
"You are against the best players in the country. Nothing else compares with it."
McIlroy started playing bowls in Gisborne at the age of 5 and won seven Gisborne-East Coast centre titles, two in Counties and added another title when he moved to Nelson last year.
McIlroy has won just one New Zealand title - in the fours in 2006 - but has had a successful record on the international scene over the past three years.
He started by winning a silver medal in the fours at the Asia and Pacific championships in 2007.
Three highlights since he won at North East Valley last year are:
- Reaching the semifinals of the Australian open singles at Shepperton. He was beaten by Brett Wilkie (Queensland), who won the world champion of champions title.
- Beating world No 2 Leif Selbie 3-0 in the singles at the transtasman series this year.
- Finishing runner-up to Craig England (Scotland) in the under-25 World Cup at Warilla in Australia.
