Shaun job too soon for Sean
RORY McILROY feels Tiger Woods has played a significant role in the American stranglehold of golf’s biggest prizes which he will attempt to break in the US Open which starts today.
The United States currently hold the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, President’s Cup, Walker Cup and Curtis Cup.
And Americans hold all four Majors and make up half of the world top 10.
While Woods is ranked a lowly 80th as he continues his comeback from injury, McIlroy believes his role as assistant captain in team competitions and friendships with younger generations of American stars has been crucial.
“They have a couple of guys, but one in particular that they try to emulate who’s back out
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here playing, and he’s become a friend of theirs,” said McIlroy.
“That’s been a huge part of all this. A lot of these guys have got to know Tiger and been able to say, OK, this is what he does.
“We might not be able to achieve everything that he has, but you can at least try to.
“That’s been a huge thing for Ryder Cups and President’s Cups, and the Americans as individuals as well.
“These things go in cycles. European golf was very healthy a few years ago for a long time. It seemed every Major someone from the island of Ireland turned up to, we were winning it. It doesn’t seem that long ago.
“I feel good about my game. I have a win this year, which is great, and have got myself into contention quite a few times and I’d love to do that again this week. It’s been a while since I’ve been in the mix in this championship.”
McIlroy’s victory at Congressional in 2011 saw him ENGLAND skipper Sean O’Loughlin has ruled himself out of contention to succeed Shaun Wane as Wigan head coach.
Wane is leaving the Warriors at the end of the season and the search for his successor is under way, with club legend and current Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards a leading contender.
Club captain O’Loughlin is approaching the end of a stellar playing career and has ambitions to move into coaching when he hangs up his boots.
He does not know if he will continue playing beyond this campaign but is certain a move into the Wigan hotseat would come far too early in his fledgling coaching career.
The 35-year-old loose forward, who already coaches Wigan’s Under-19s side, said: “I’d love to get more into coaching when I finish playing. It’s been great to see boys from the academy get a chance in the first team and take it.
“However, being in charge of Wigan would definitely come too soon for me and I’ve no intention of becoming a head coach just yet.
“I want to play on beyond this year. If I feel I’m contributing to the side and Wigan want me to play on, I’ll do another year.”