McIlroy’s shot at greatness
World No 1 could join Nicklaus and Woods in major wins
ULSTERMAN Rory McIlroy is odds-on favourite to emulate golf’s two greatest players by winning four majors before turning 26 if he emerges victorious at the US PGA at Valhalla this weekend.
McIlroy, 25, is on a white-hot streak that saw him clinch the Open Championship with a wire-to-wire victory at Hoylake last month. He followed that with a come-from-behind win at last week’s WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at the Firestone Country Club in Ohio.
The Open was the Northern Irishman’s third career major following victories at the 2011 US Open and 2012 PGA, putting him behind Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, who were 23 and 24 respectively when they won their third majors.
Nicklaus clinched his fourth major at 25 when he won the 1965 Masters and went on to set a record 18 major wins.
Woods was 24 when he won the 2000 Open for his fourth major and has won 14 in total.
McIlroy could join their illustrious company if he takes the spoils at a course which should suit his long, straight hitting.
Last week’s victory also catapulted McIlroy to the top of the world rankings for the first time in two years.
Seldom has there been such excitement heading into the season’s final major with ousted No 1 Adam Scott and world No 3 Sergio Garcia both in excellent form.
Throw in the great play of defending US Open winner Justin Rose and this year’s US Open champion Martin Kaymer as well as the red-hot Rickie Fowler and the tournament is set for some electric play. From a European and US viewpoint, this is also the last chance for players to claim automatic Ryder Cup places or to do enough to earn captain’s picks for the biennial team event.
McIlroy’s form and power play, which saw him hit accurate, massive 300m plus drives on almost every long hole last week, has lifted TV ratings in the US while the saga over Tiger Woods’ injured back will continue until his early tee off time today.
From a South African perspective, recent Canadian Open winner Tim Clark has form and confidence going for him.
Clark, 38, shot a tournament record-equalling 17-under to win in Canada and should find Valhalla to his liking.
Other South Africans in the field include Charl Schwartzel, Louis Oosthuizen, Ernie Els, Richard Sterne, Branden Grace, George Coetzee, Rory Sabbatini and Johan Kok.