TEENAGE KICKS (From Halesowen News)

TEENAGE KICKS

2:01pm Sunday 1st March 2009

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All the talk prior to the start of the WGC match play tournament in Arizona centred on the return of Tiger Woods. On his comeback from major knee surgery, the world number one made an early exit at the 2nd round stage, but it was the man who defeated the man who defeated Woods that then took centre stage.

I use the word man loosely of course, because Northern Irelands’ Rory McIlroy is just 19 years of age but despite this, 2009 has started in spectacular fashion with a debut tour win and a place in the quarter finals of this week’s competition on his first visit to the States.

McIlroy first came to prominence as the leading amateur during the 2007 Open Championship at Carnoustie, with an impressive score of 68 in his opening round, eventually finishing five over par for the tournament. Unsurprisingly he turned professional soon after, but any thoughts of a meteoric rise soon disappeared as the young Irishman plotted a steady, thoughtful course to success.

Despite being invited to take part in the Target World Challenge by none other than Tiger Woods himself, McIlroy declined, preferring to keep his place in the European Open, a decision that bore fruit as he made progress through the 2008 season to finish in 36th place in the European Tour Order of Merit. He also secured a place at the 2009 Masters, following an impressive third place finish in the South African Open. Februarys’ victory in the Dubai Desert Classic lifted Rory to 16th in the world and his performance this week in Arizona has further enhanced his reputation.

The 4+3 victory over Woods conqueror Tim Clark secured McIlroy a place in the quarter finals and despite loosing out narrowly to Geoff Ogilvy, the 19 year old had made a sufficient impact in the States as to overshadow the achievements of the other Europeans such as Paul Casey and Ross Fisher.

What impresses me about this young man is his maturity, belying his young age. Negotiating a measured course to success with thoughtful and intuitive shot selection, recognising the importance of his commitment to the European Tour and having an unerring ability to focus on what it takes to become a top class professional. It would appear that I am not the only one impressed with McIlroy, as Ernie Ells has tipped the Irishman to eventually reach the pinnacle of the game as World Number One. It certainly great news for the European game and I’m sure Mr Montgomery will keep a close eye on this teenager with the next Ryder Cup in mind.

It goes to prove that hard work and dedication can bring reward. Rory McIlroy only turned pro 18 months ago but his achievements so far suggest a prodigious career lies ahead. It also shows that you don’t have to wear silly trousers to catch the eye of the Yanks. I’m not sure about his hair though.

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At the back end of last year I pointed out the lack of discipline being one of the major issues for Martin Johnson to address if the England Rugby side were to make any impact in this years Six Nations. After Saturdays narrow defeat in Dublin, it is more obvious than ever. Had the sides been equal for the majority of the game then an historic victory at Croke Park may have been possible.

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The offer of dinner with Martin O’Neill as compensation for all those supporters who travelled to Moscow to watch Aston Villa’s second string fall to defeat was a rather strange one. It seems that the Villa boss will do anything rather than admit that his decision to take a scratch squad was the wrong one.

Richard Nevin .

Listen to Richard Nevin every week on the Friday Sports Forum between 7 and 9pm on 102.5 The Bridge and on “442”, the post match Football Show on Beacon Radio from 5pm every Saturday.

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