World No. 1 Rory McIlroy returns to competition this week and the continuation of his summer conquest focusing now on a first FedEx Cup triumph but with fellow four-time Major winner Ernie Els offering some timely advice.
McIlroy and Els will join 123 other golfers in Thursday’s starting Barclay’s Championship in New Jersey and the first of the four FedEx Cup Play-Off Series.
In the three years McIlroy has been eligible to win the FedEx Cup he’s been placed 36th in 2010, runner-up in 2012 and a lowly 50th last year.
Then there’s the Race to Dubai title and with McIlroy seeking to become the first player to win the title twice.
Ernie Els suggests the key to Rory McIlroy dedication is the key to him becoming one of the greats in the game. (Photo -Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)
And McIlroy will end his remarkable double Major winner season determined to join Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player as the only overseas born players to successfully defend the Australian Open being staged from November 27th to 30th in Sydney.
While Els will be among those striving to deny McIlroy a fourth straight Tour title the South African and former World No. 1 had some timely advice for McIlroy.
“We’ve all known he’s had the talent and now we have to see how he goes on from here,” said Els.
“If he dedicates himself he can be one of the best but if he does not dedicate himself we have seen how difficult this game could become.
“But the good thing is Rory has some good people around him. His father and mum are the best, JP is great for a caddy, so I look forward very much to see his career continue to unfold.
Els believes also it is unfair to be labelling McIlroy the next Tiger Woods.
“That’s unfair and it’s unnecessary pressure on Rory,” said Els.
“Rory’s just got to do his thing and try and win as many Majors as he can, and see where he finishes. He’s should be worrying about trying to break records.
“But there’s no denying he’s the new face of golf and that’s great going forward for both the European Tour and the PGA Tour.
“He’s the best player in the world right now and that’s wonderful to see, and Rory’s also a happy character and not a sour looking type of fellow, so it’s nice to see a happy face up there as World No. 1.”
In capturing last fortnight’s PGA Championship McIlroy became Ireland’s greatest golfer surpassing Padraig Harrington’s effort of three Majors.
And prior to leaving Greensboro last week, and after losing his PGA Tour card for a first time in his career, Harrington singled out McIlroy for special praise.
“Rory has indeed moved to a different level than he was say five weeks ago when the media were all on his back on the Friday of the Scottish Open, and we’re standing here and we’re talking about him winning three events in a row including two Majors,” said Harrington.
“We all knew he was good and it’s Tiger Woods like now.
“Not just the fact Rory’s won four Majors but you always thought Rory was going to win the PGA despite there being so many other good players who could have won.
“He just looks incredibly comfortable at the moment but as I said, he standing in world golf in so different to a month ago.
“We always knew he was a great player and he’s delivering on that more and more.”
