McIlroy aims to join major league

GOLF tyro Rory McIlroy hopes to finish the year among the world’s top 50 and ensure his place at next year’s majors.

The 19-year-old from Co. Down, whose two rookie year European Tour runner-up finishes have propelled him to number 49 in the world, can secure his spot in 2009’s four Majors and three World Golf Championship events over the next fortnight.

“My goal is to just try and go higher and higher up the world rankings. Hopefully I can stay in the top 50 at the end of the year to get into the Masters and the others,” McIlroy said yesterday ahead of the Alfred Dunhill Championship.