Who is Rory McIlroy? This Golfer May Be the Next Tiger Woods

Rory McIlroy is the newest golf sensation. The way he's burst onto the scene reminds many of Tiger Woods. After coolly winning his first professional event in Dubai in early 2009, Rory McIlroy seems hungry for more.

Who is Rory McIlroy?

Rory McIlroy was born in 1989 in Northern ireland, making him one of the youngest pro golfers touring. Like Tiger Woods before him, he was groomed to be a golfer at an early age. His Web site, RoryMcIlroy.com, says he hit a tee shot 40 yards at the age of two. He played his first professional event (as an amateur) at the age of 16 on the European Tour.

Rory McIlroy's first event as a professional was at the Quinn Insurance British Masters, where he made the cut. He followed that up with a third place finish at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, proving that his amateur career had not been a fluke.

Rory McIlroy May be the next Tiger Woods

Much like Tiger Woods before him, Rory McIlroy has turned heads as an amateur and now a pro. He has displayed a strong work ethic, championship caliber competitiveness, and a cool confidence. These traits are necessary in a sport where talent can easily be wasted by poor work ethic, weak willpower, and on-course psychological frailty. The pro golf world has been looking for an heir apparent for Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy just may be the golfer who can, eventually, challenge Tiger.

What will the future bring for Rory McIlroy?

In the game of golf, it's impossible to predict the future. Rory McIlroy has shown that he has unlimited potential. More than just the physical skills, the mental aspect of golf is what makes or breaks great golfers. Golf is a competition amongst oneself just as much as against the other golfers. Tiger Woods is today's best golfer, and one of the best ever, because he has not let up once he reached the top. He has continued to push himself to get better, improve his swing, and reach perfection, even though it's not attainable. The only tag you can place on a young golfer is what could be. If you look at Rory McIlroy's makeup, he has the physical and mental skills to become a top golfer. Only time will tell if he can fulfill that potential.

Rory McIlroy has had limited experience on the PGA Tour, but this year will show whether he's ready to play with the big boys. It's expected he'll play more PGA Tours this year, but whether he takes his PGA Tour this year or in the future is unknown.