McIlroy relishing Tiger tussle

Teen prodigy Rory McIlroy cannot wait for his first professional meeting with world number one Tiger Woods at this week’s Dubai Desert Classic after enjoying “a whirlwind 12 months” since making his first cut at the Emirates Golf Club last year.

Last year as a 17-year-old amateur, McIlroy finished tied for 52nd place at three under par after disappointingly carding a final-round 76 and was forced to forego his prize money.

But now the 18-year-old new world number 190 will be able to add any earnings to his ever-expanding career total after making an impressive start to his brief professional career.

“Last year I went there as an amateur to gain experience,” he said.

“Now I am going back knowing I can compete at this level. I am not worried about Tiger; I’ll concentrate on my own game and play the course.”

McIlroy made his name at last year’s British Open at Carnoustie with the only bogey-free round on the first day, which saw the former European amateur champion a stroke clear of Woods.

He eventually finished 42nd and seven shots adrift of the American, but with the knowledge he can compete on the same stage as Woods, McIlroy is confident ahead of Thursday’s tee-off.

Eight-time Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie – who has never won at an event featuring Woods – has warned the 18-year-old not to ignore the 13-time Major winner, but the ambitious Northern Irishman is confident he can continue taking it all in his stride.

At last week’s Qatar Masters McIlroy matched new world number four Adam Scott virtually shot for shot in carding 66 in his third round which led the Australian, who went on to claim a second title in Doha, to rave about the youngster’s potential.

“It’s been absolutely fantastic, if you had said to me I would be here this year doing what I’m doing I would have said ’no way’, it just shows what a lot of hard work and dedication can do,” added McIlroy.

“I have practised hard over the winter and I am seeing the benefits. My long game is solid and it’s there. It’s really solid.”