Lovable Rory could do worse than be himself

McIlroy must not be sidetracked by trying to become the next Tiger Woods

For professional golf, it appears to be perfect timing. Having recently reached the sixth anniversary of Tiger Woods’ last Major championship (the 2008 US Open), we are in the feelgood days of Rory McIlroy’s third conquest of one of golf’s great prizes.

Such joy. A young man has come along to fill the void left by the vaunted but wounded veteran. Every sport benefits when there is a king or a dominating force, someone to attract a public’s fancy, and McIlroy senses that the moment could be now.