LONDON -- U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy is confident he can handle the pressure that comes with being considered the heir apparent to Tiger Woods.
Comparisons were made between McIlroy and Woods after the 22-year-old Northern Irishman swept to his first major victory in record-breaking style at Congressional on Sunday.
His status will undoubtedly soar as a result, but McIlroy said he'll try to stay grounded.
-From ESPN.com
Can you even imagine being Rory McIlroy right now? You wake up, roll out of bed, flip on SportsCenter, and hear John Anderson and Hannah Storm comparing you to one of the best golfers to ever hit the links.
There's no denying Rory has talent; that is clear. But what's clearer is his confidence. This kid knows he's got enough talent to become the next face of the golf kingdom. And there's nothing wrong with that! A little bit of confidence is refreshing in a sport that urges overwhelming humbleness (complimenting opponents on their shots and giving pointers at every free moment.)
It's part of why we love(d) Tiger. The fist pumps, the high fives with Stevie, and the raw emotion he brought to every round of golf he played was a significant movement for the sport. It made golf more popular. It made golf "cool." It made it okay for middle-aged men to use animal driver headcovers.
But are we ready for Rory yet? Is the sport of golf ready to forget about Tiger and accept Rory as its new golf idol? I'm not so sure.
I think we're going to see many epic battles between Tiger and Rory in the upcoming years. Mentor v. Apprentice style. Obi Wan v. Anakin. Eventually Rory will come out on top, but not after earning it.
May the birdies be with you, Rory.
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