For years, Tiger Woods dominated golf and anyone who came along as he predecessor, he demolished. As Woods returns to form – and he is playing outstanding again – he has finally met his golfing match.
Rory McIlroy has, in the last several weeks, solidified himself as the No. 1 player in the world. More than that, at just 23, he has made a case for being the new dominant force in the sport.
Sunday, McIlroy eclipsed the strongest field of the year – a field that included Woods, Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh, Lee Westwood, et al – shooting a final-round 67 for a two-shot win.
It was McIlroy’s second straight win in two weeks, making him the first to do so since Woods in 2009. He’s won three of his last four tournaments – including the PGA Championshp for his second major. He is a remarkable 53-under par in those wins.
”He’s going out there and is up near the lead and posts a good number,” Woods said. ”He’s doing the things he needs to do, and as he said, he’s feeling very confident about his game. Right now he’s just really played well, and he’s making a ton of putts. That’s a great combo.”
Woods and McIlroy have been spending a lot of time together in the last month – whether they’re in the same group on the golf course, as they have been four times during the playoffs and will be again for the opening round of the Tour Championship; in TV interviews together; in the interview room, where one is behind a microphone and the other waiting his turn in the back of the room; or at lunch after the pro-am.
McIlroy from Northern Ireland said he recalls vividly watching Woods do as he is doing now.
”I think I’ve always had an appreciation for what Tiger did over the years,” McIlroy said. ”The more you put yourself in this position, and the more you win, and the more you pick up trophies, it becomes normal, and it feels like this is what you’re supposed to do. I’m sure that’s how he felt when he was on that run, and how he still feels. He still won three times this year.”
Part of McIlroy’s success is that he seems humble.
”I don’t think I’m quite there yet,” he said. ”But I’m getting to that stage where I’m thinking, ‘This is what I should be doing. I should be lifting a trophy at the end of the week.’ It’s been great. The last four weeks, five weeks have been incredible, some of the best golf that I’ve ever played. I’m going to try and keep the run going for as long as possible.”
