Wozniacki ‘key’ to Rory march

Greg Norman believes Caroline Wozniacki holds the key to Rory McIlroy’s seemingly inevitable march towards becoming world number one.

The two-time Major-winning Australian said at the Honda Classic yesterday he is “a huge fan” of the Irish star, who represents a new generation of super-fit golfing athletes.

Stronger and longer than ever, McIlroy has muscled his way to number two in the world since he started dating the Danish tennis ace last summer.

Wozniacki will fly in to West Palm Beach this weekend hoping to cheer McIlroy on to a possible victory that would see him become the first Irishman to top the world rankings.

“Caroline Wozniacki is probably the best partner Rory can have because she is physically strong, she has to be that way for her sport,” said Norman, who was married to tennis great Chris Evert before splitting after 18 months together in 2009.

“So for the two of them to be going through their careers at this young age in the highest possible echelon, there’s no better partner to have sitting beside you than someone who understands what it takes to do it.

“I think the great counterbalance for Rory right now is Caroline Wozniacki. I don’t know how close they are but it just seems like they are on the same path privately and professionally.”

The Irishman, 22, is up against Tiger Woods and arch-rival Lee Westwood but must win the Honda Classic to overtake Luke Donald at the top of the world rankings.

And he’s already admitted that Wozniacki is a huge inspiration as he bids to become the best player on the planet.

“I think we definitely spur each other on. She’s number one in the world and I’ve got a Major, and we sort of both want what each other have,” McIlroy said recently.

“It’s a big goal of mine. I want to become the best player in the world.

“She’s got a great work ethic and it’s something I can probably learn a lot from.

“They do put the work in, they really do. It’s just amazing how they can get up each morning and keep doing the same thing, putting their bodies through that. It’s pretty impressive.”

Meanwhile, Jack Nicklaus reckons Woods faces a tough task to stop McIlroy and golf’s new generation of young guns as he continues his quest to break his record and win 19 Majors.

Nicklaus said: “Tiger didn’t really have a lot of competition with guys who knew how to win. He’s had a bit with Phil Mickelson on occasion and Phil’s the closest thing he’s had to a rival.

“Ernie Els and Vijay Singh won a couple of tournaments but they are all in their 40s. You are not talking about guys like Rory McIlroy, who are 22 years old.

“These are young kids who are going to be around a long time that he’s going to be playing against. Will he win again? Sure. He’s too good a player not to win again. Will he be as prolific as he was before? Probably not.”

As for McIlroy, Nicklaus said: “Rory’s going to win a lot of Majors. What a nice player. And what a great kid too.”