McIlroy: I’m gunning for wounded Tiger

RORY McIlroy has thrown down the Ryder Cup gauntlet to Tiger Woods after declaring, I’m desperate to beat you.

The world No 1 is sidelined with a minor neck injury but is expected to recover and line up for the USA against Europe at Celtic Manor in Wales this October.

But Northern Ireland superstar McIlroy insists he is relishing the prospect of toppling childhood hero Woods in the battle for global golf domination.

McIlroy, 21, said: “I’d love to go toe-to-toe with Tiger and it will be a dream come true. There would be no better way to win the Ryder Cup than to go head-to-head with Tiger and beat him. It would be pretty cool.

“But I still need to qualify for the team and so does Tiger.”

Woods has endured a difficult time since his return to golf at the Masters following his sex scandal.

The 34-year-old missed the cut at Quail Hollow – where McIlroy triumphed – with his highest 36-hole score as a pro and then pulled out of the Players Championship last week.

But McIlroy expects the 14-time Major winner to be back in action for the US Open next month – a decade on from Woods’ sensational 15-shot win at Pebble Beach.

McIlroy added: “It is disappointing to see Tiger injured because I want to see him back playing and back to form again. But it’s probably more disappointing for him than for anyone else too. He has tried to come back after a lengthy spell off and has picked up this injury. Hopefully it’s only an inflamed joint and he’ll only be out for a couple of weeks. I hope he is at the US Open in a couple of weeks.”

Before his assault on a first Major title in California, McIlroy lines up at the PGA Championships at Wentworth next week before his three-event strategy in the States.

But the world number nine admits he is already focussed on a debut Ryder Cup appearance as he bids to cement his third-placed position in the rankings.

He said: “It’s every golfer’s dream to play in the Ryder Cup and I believe Europe will have one of the strongest teams they have ever had.”

McIlroy will share the cover of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 with the world number one and was at Celtic Manor, venue of the 2011 Ryder Cup to promote the X-Box computer game in association with EA Sports.

McIlroy said: “It’s surreal but a great honour to be on the cover with Tiger. I can’t wait to see the game when it comes out this summer.”