McIlory looks for No.1 title before 2016 Olympics

By Oh Kyu-wook



HAIKOU, China -- There is little doubt that Rory McIlroy is one of the most promising golfers the world must pay attention to. The 2011 U.S. Open champion continually showed his talent this weekend against top golfers from the world in the 56th World Cup of Golf, at the Mission Hills Resort in Haikou.

The world No.2, partnered with Graeme McDowell for Ireland, shot a 8-under 64 to lead the 28-nation event by two shots after the third round on Saturday.

Playing for the first time here on the Hainan Island, the 22-year-old proved that he will be one to dominate the headlines for the next few years.

And there is no doubt he will be a genuine gold medal contender in 2016, when golf returns as a medal event at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Asked whether he has an eye on the 2016 Games, he said: “I think it’s a big goal of anybody who in whatever given sport you play. It would be great fun.”

But McIlroy admitted he needs to focus on improving at the pro tournaments beforehand.

“It’s still four years away, I have to get 2012 out of the way first,” he added.

McIlroy, who turned pro in 2007, won his fist major title in June and become a No. 2 in the world golf ranking after finishing tied for 4th at the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai earlier this month.

McIlroy said here he was happy with his progress this year, but admitted he still has a long way to go to take over Luke Donald and become a No. 1.

“He has played incredible golf this year, and is deservedly No.1. I’m going to have to keep up my good play if I’m going to catch him,” he said.

McIlroy still has a few events to play before closing the 2011 year calendar. He is scheduled to play in next week‘s UBS Hong Kong before heading to Dubai World Championship. He will then contest the Thailand Golf Championship in Bangkok on Dec. 15.

“I’ll try and play well in those, and give myself a foundation to kick off 2012, and may be that will be enough to overtake Luke at some point,” he added. (596story@heraldcorp.com)