Niall Horan: One Direction star is Rory McIlroy's golf caddie at Masters Par 3 Contest

'He's been excited to come here,' McIlroy said of his new recruit

Just weeks after Zayn Malik quit the band, One Direction bandmate Niall Horan has taken an altogether more hands-on career turn.

The singer will step away from the tour bus to act as Rory McIlroy’s caddie when he takes part in the Masters Par 3 contest.

The competition is held annually on the year of the Masters, and offers golfers a chance to enjoy the sport with their families before they knuckle down to a serious tournament.

This year, it will also offer McIlroy the chance of having his bags carried around by someone three times as famous as he is.

“He's been excited to come here,” McIlroy told ESPN of his new recruit.

“He's never been to the Masters. I caught up with him in Australia at the end of last year and he was really excited, and I said, 'If you're available Wednesday afternoon and you want to carry the bag for nine holes, you're more than welcome.'

“He's excited to be here and looking forward to spending a bit of time with him out there tomorrow.”

But fans needn’t start mourning the sad loss of another member. Horan has already confirmed his intentions to record a new studio album with the band following Malik’s sensational exit in March.