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| Rory McIlroy is top of the world. |
Rory McIlroy's coronation as World Number One was almost as poetic as it was an exhibition of guts, scrambling and patience. The state of Florida, the home of the Honda Classic, was the location of Rory's first international victory - as a 9 year old in the youth World Championship at Doral in 1998. Back then Rory was an enthusiastic young boy with big dreams and an even bigger smile. Just like most boys of that age, who dream to become greater at something than most people will ever achieve. Looking on with admiration at the iconic youthful figure of Tiger Woods as an inspiration, young Rory progressed through his youth conquering every obstacle put in front of him on the course. On Sunday, 4th March 2012, in Florida, just less than 14 years since his first taste of success, the rise of Rory McIlroy came full circle as he held off the resurgent aura of his childhood hero to reach the summit of this great game that has enthralled and challeneged him since the tender age of two.
However, it hasn't been a smooth race to the top. There have been slumps, back nine collapses, controversy in the media and dramatic change to his personal life But 11 months after the darkest and most lonely afternoon of anyone's professional career, Rory has overcome the challenges of being a young fledgling talent thrust into the limelight to become the man to beat. The battles so far have toughened him up, and as a result he is now potentially a much stronger number one than many will initially realise and come to accept.
It seemed like destiny was on his side going into Masters Sunday last year. But the subtleties of Augusta National prayed on Rory's final round nerves and clouded decisions and led to a possibly career defining collapse. However, unlike many in the past who have struggled to overcome such a crushing defeat, Rory, quite ingeniously looked upon the the devastation, dissapointment and subsequent negative media spotlight as being a lesson that had to learned to the highest degree and for the mistakes to never be repeated again. The defeat at Augusta, when at one point standing on the 13th tee, Rory McIlroy became the lonliest and most pitied figure in the world, was a character building process on a grand and harsh scale. It toughened him up, he learned from his mistakes and he went out to rectify them. The future success of Rory McIlroy that began with his historic and record breaking US Open triumph at Congressional was born out of defeat. That is what makes Rory potentially a far stronger leading figure than many of those who have recently come before him. He is battle hardened and has a strength of character that equals his incredible talent, which in turn has allowed him to become a complete golfer.
McIlroy's long game has always been something that has been admired, particularly by his contempories on Tour. His swing is elegant, rhythmical, powerful and is as close to perfection as you'll realistically see. Most of us were first introduced to this wonderful poise of McIlroy at the 2007 Open Championship, where Rory shot a fine round of 68 at Carnoustie on the first day before falling behind but in the end claiming the amateur's Silver Medal. But a fine swing and a prolific long game doesn't guarantee success. Since Augusta when his weaknesses were discovered, he has improved his short game and putting considerably. Before he didn't look confident over a putt, but now he is assured and natural with the flat stick in his hands. McIlroy's scrambling percentage was 30% higher than the field average on Sunday at the Honda, and under the utmost pressure of trying to become world number one he didn't look like missing a putt all day from almost any distance. His decision making has also developed since Augusta. He didn't take on shots he didn't have to, especially when the margin of error was slight. Rory McIlroy has one of the finest long games in the world that is now combined with an assured putting touch and a mature strategic and composed mind. He has become a complete player in every sense of the word.
Golf is in fine shape with Rory leading the way. He is popular and likeable, interesting to the media, sponsors and fans. But there is little time to enjoy his achievements. He'll be thrust straight into a fight to retain his top ranking in the next month as the season hots up as the countdown to the 76th Masters Tournament continues. With a resurgent and increasingly confident Tiger Woods lurking ahead of this crucial period, we are going to be blessed with spectacular and exciting viewing. One noteworthy journalist wrote earlier that he hasn't looked forward to a Masters so much since 2001 when Tiger was chasing a 4th major consecutive title. With Rory at the top, Tiger, Phil, Lee, Luke and the pack chasing close behind, this Masters could exceed even that historic event of 11 years ago. As for Rory McIlroy, the young man from Holyrood Northern Ireland, the rise has come full circle, and we are in safe hands with him at the top. As Jack Nicklaus said himself on Sunday; "Rory is a fine young man, who handles himself well, and will be a fine represtative for golf".
Durng his 51 years involved in the professional game, Jack Nicklaus may have never spoken a more accurate statement than that.
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