Rory warned of toughest year

RORY McILROY faces the most testing 12 months of his young career, according to Ian Poulter, after deciding to take out a full US PGA Tour card next season.

After much speculation, the world number 17 confirmed the move yesterday ahead of this week’s UBS Hong Kong Open and will join Poulter, Pádraig Harrington and Paul Casey in splitting their schedules either side of the Atlantic.

Ryder Cup contender McIlroy, 20, said the move was designed to help improve his world ranking and ensure he puts himself up against the world’s best on a regular basis in order to be better prepared for the majors and World Golf Championship events.