Ernie tips McIlroy to be next world number one

[muttleee]

The Big Easy said in an interview yesterday that he expected Rory McIlroy to be the next world number one. He commented that the teenager had "all the tools" and had a lot going for him. Can McIlroy live up to this sort of expectation?

On a different note, when did the avatars start working?? Today is the first time I've noticed them on others' posts so I uploaded mine again and it works too. At last!

 

[TWM]

I have got to agree. He has the ability and, more important, the spirit.

 

[andiritchie]

He is a talent no doubt about it love his swing it has a bit of flair to it

 

[Imurg]

He plays almost with no fear.
At the Belfry last year he had a shot to the 18th from the side of the green. Most pros would have run it along the floor as much as possible and try to stop it going down the hill. Rory picked up his lob wedge and parachutes it to 18 inches. Job done.

Only his lack of experience is going to hold him back.

 

[OldWindy]

The most impressive things for me is that it really looks like he enjoys himself out there. Not only does he have the seemingly natural ability but also a real sense of 'what will be will be'.

 

[Herbie]

Im not so sure that plugging him as the next No 1 will get him there, he's young, he's come up very fast in the scheme of things, Ive seen golfers collapse during what seems to be at the time great potential, I genuinely hope he doesn't though as I like him and his game, personally I would like to see him quietly establish himself as a world beater without the excessive expectations that surround him now.
But I do hope he has what it takes, either way.

 

[viscount17]

a few of the commentators (American of course) are really over doing it. from 'never heard of him' at the beginning of the week to 'he's better than Tiger at the same age' last night.

they also seem to have a bit of a thing for Ross Fisher, lots of oohs and ahhs.

is this good for European Golf or is the US Tour preparing to poach?

 

[haplesshacker]

I just hope that the British press don't treat him the same way as the English football team, Tim Henman etc. The level of pressure that these hacks put on young sportsman is unbelieveable. Over hyping expectation can cripple a burgoning world beater. Though I'm sure that somewhere in Team Mcllory is someone that can keep him straight.

 

[shanker]

I'd agree with HNJ. Let's be cautious. Give the lad time. However, I'm sure that Ernie is right! Rory will take over from Tiger. When? Maybe in 2013? Who knows? But at least it won't be the spoilt brat from Castellon (Sergio Garcia).