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.