‘Tigeresque’ McIlroy backed for Ryder Cup place

RORY McILROY can next year become the youngest player ever to appear in the Ryder Cup.

That is the firm belief of Andrew “Chubby” Chandler, manager of the 18-year-old from Northern Ireland whose third-place finish in just his second professional event should secure him a European Tour card for next season.

“I knew he was good, but I had no idea he was that good,” said Chandler, who as Lee Westwood’s partner was alongside McIlroy on the first three days of last week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.