Rory McIlory is coming under pressure for his world number one spot from rising superstar Jordan Spieth but is confident he can get back to winning ways in the majors, starting at the Open next month.
The golfing world is seemingly in young hands at the moment with Spieth becoming the youngest player to win the US Open in 92 years, as he remains on course to win all four majors in a calendar year following his dominant success at the Masters in April.
At just 21, Spieth seems to have the game and temperament to become the sport’s dominant force and he has admitted that he is looking to usurp McIlroy, who is the current Open and US PGA champion, in the rankings.
“It’s kind of cool,” said Spieth. “I think to have two players hold the four majors and Ricky [Fowler] having the fifth.
It’s awesome that the game is in young hands. I don’t think much of a rivalry.
“Rory has four majors and dozens of wins and I’m just starting out.
Again, I’m certainly quite a bit younger than he is. I’m just happy to have this and to be chasing that number spot which he holds. So I’m certainly focused on that.”
McIlroy could be forgiven for being happy with this performances in the majors so far, finishing fourth at the Masters and tied ninth at Chambers Bay, but he appears ready for the challenge of Spieth and is confident he can achieve his own double success.
“I feel like I have a great chance in the next two majors,” McIlroy said.
“To finish where I did the way I putted this week shows how good my ball striking has been so if I can keep that similar and start to roll in a few putts, I can do even better at St Andrews and Whistling Straits.
“I take a lot of positives out of this. The long game is really in good shape. I’ve never hit the ball as good in a major championship for four rounds.”
McIlroy is currently shading favouritism for St Andrews at 5.25, while Spieth is 7.50, with the American on offer at 29.00 to complete the dream and win all four majors this year.
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