McIlroy's major ambition

Youngster confident ahead of Dubai Desert Classic defence

Last updated: 2nd February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

McIlroy's major ambition

McIlroy: rapid rise

I am gaining experience every year and by the time I'm 24, 25 I will have played in 20, 25 majors ... so hopefully by then I should know how to finish them off.

Rory McIlroy
Quotes of the week

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Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy has targeted a major title within the next four years.

McIlroy claimed his maiden professional victory at last year's Dubai Desert Classic at the age of 19.

He has since posted 11 top-10 finishes on the circuit, including eight in his last nine events, and is up to ninth in the world rankings.

"I am gaining experience every year and by the time I'm 24, 25 I will have played in 20, 25 majors ... so hopefully by then I should know how to finish them off," McIlroy said.

"That's the ultimate goal ... to win a major championship and try and become the best player I can be."

McIlroy, who is back at the Emirates Golf Club to defend his title this week, feels he has learnt a great deal in the intervening 12 months.

Rounded

"I've gained a lot of experience since I won here last year and I've put myself in a lot of great positions to win golf tournaments," he added.

"I haven't quite finished them off but I've learnt from those experiences and feel as if I'm a more-rounded player.

"I feel as if when I get myself into those positions now that I feel a lot more comfortable in final rounds and final groups.

"When I look back on the last 12 months it has been very satisfactory. It was a year when everything was new to me.

"The majors were new and the World Golf Championships were new and I felt as if I handled it pretty well.

"I've gained a lot of experience in them and I feel the experience will help me a lot this year and hopefully I'll perform even better in them."

Comments (1)

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Shane Dooley cullinane says...

Nothing is certain but one would hope that Rory clinches his first major soon and it will be easier there after. Last week in Abu Dhabi he was awsome both on and off the course. Every part of his ball striking is effortless, he has a great ability to stay in the zone and not let previous errors affect his mood. Of the course he posed for photos with both Adults and especially Kids whilst others paraded around with their heads up in the air. For his age it really is remarkable, now all he needs is to be able to turn from Mr nice guy to a killer when required to finish out tournaments

Posted 05:49 3rd February 2010
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