Rory McIlroy’s still only 21 years of age but he’s far from the youngest teeing up in this week’s WGC – Accenture Match-Play Championship in Arizona.
Rory McIlroy leads young chargers in Arizona - (Photo - Omega Dubai Desert Classic)
That title belongs to young Italian stallion Matteo Manaessero who’s all of 17-years of age.
Then there’s 19-year old Korean sensation Noh Seung-yul, the reigning Maybank Malaysian Open winner.
“I played a practice round with Matteo yesterday (Mon) and it’s hard to believe he’s in the tournament as a 17-year old,” said McIlroy.
“There’s so many young guys like Noh Seung-yui, Ryo Ishikiawa, Rickie Fowler, Matteo Manassero and myself, and guys that are 21 and younger.
“You add to that group the likes of Dustin Johnson, who’s in his mid-20s, so it’s great for the game of golf, and it makes it more exciting.”
It’s McIlroy’s third appearance in the event after making his U.S. pro debut in 2009 and as the newly-crowned Dubai Desert Classic champion.
McIlroy took on South African Louis Oosthuizen in his first match winning 2 & 1 and then came from behind to knock off American Hunter Mahan 1 up.
The young Ulsterman tackled South African Tim Clark in his next match and the day after Clark had bundled Tiger Woods out of the event.
McIlroy handed Clark a golf lesion winning 4 & 3.
But in his quarter final match against Geoff Ogilvy, the Australian was too good and won 2 & 1 before eventually capturing the championship title.
It’s good to here in Arizona and I’m really looking forward to the week.
“I made my US debut in this event two years ago it was a great week as I got into the quarter finals only to be beaten by the eventual champion – Geoff Ogilvy,” said McIlroy.
“I was coming off my win in Dubai and was playing really well. I had a tough second round match against Hunter Mahan and was able to come back and win which was great.
And then I beat Timmy Clarke the next day, who had just beaten Tiger the previous day. I played probably my best golf of the week against Geoff but he was just too good for me.”
McIlroy’s first round match is against the in-form Jonathon Bryd winner of his last event of 2010 and the first event of 2011 when he captured the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii.
“Jonathon won earlier this year, so he’s obviously playing pretty good,” said McIlroy.
“But then you’re never going to have easy matches this week, and I’m sure he’ll be a really tough opponent.
“If I can go ahead and play the way I have done the first two tournaments of this year then I know also that I will be a pretty tough guy to get rid of.”
