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McIlroy is a top golfer and great to watch. the people saying he's in a slump are probably the same ones going on (and on) about woods' love life. bring on the masters

Rory sounds like a nice guy, but I think it would be hard to call him grounded. Anyone that says they hope to win 7 majors and comes out with comments like:

"I can turn into the player everyone thinks I will be"

May need to wind their neck in a little and just do their talking on the course... I don't remember Tiger talking to the press about what he expected (or hoped)to achieve, he just went out and hit the ball in the hole. Perhaps it would be best to start there and take success as it comes.

Well it is great to be ambitious but going around saying it to all the press that he reckons he can win that many is maybe only going to add pressure.

Rory is clearly a fine talent but I just wonder if he is going to be set back by injuries and a lack of discipline.

McIlroy is clearly a very talented player but for all that promise he's still only got over the line once. Yes he's only 20 but he's been in contention plenty of times and not won the tournament. He needs to learn to win first before he can think about winning majors.

Personally I think his ranking (currently 11??) is a bit of a joke. He's been top 10 and I can't think of anyone who's got to the top 10 and only won a single tournament?

I think everyone should take a step well back from him and leave him to develop without the pressure of speculation about a slump. As far as I can see he's not going to win a major this year or for the next few years. At least until he starts to be a consistent winner of European or US tour titles anyway.

He doesn't help himself get this breathing room though by the decisions he makes, switching to the US tour is setting himself up for a fall early in his career where he could've stayed mainly in Europe and be much lower key. Some of the things he comes out with do tend to tip a little towards arrogance rather than just confidence also.

G-Barton, he said 'hopefully' he can turn in the player everyone thinks he could be. He comes across grounded, he has been asked questions and answered them in what appears to be a layed back manner.

If the report is anything like an accurate reflection of the interview, Ben, then I can see how you found meeting Rory to be so pleasant. He comes across as reasonably modest - given his talent - and self-effacing. Talking like a young man who is aware of the burden of expectations, who does have a belief in himself but also has a clear view of what he wants from life - with the emphasis on having a life. His understanding of 'what people expect' of him is mature beyond his years - none of the puppyish arrogance oozing out of other 'next big things' down the years. His appreciation of the effort needed is pretty impressive. too.

G-BArton: "I don't remember Tiger talking to the press about what he expected (or hoped)to achieve,"

In that case, you simply weren't watching or listening 12 years ago, or 30 years ago, when he p[opped up on the Andy Williams Show. If you aren't aware of the expectations around him ("Hello World' anyone?) then one has to wonder whether you're actually a golf fan at all!

I also think he made a mistake in going to the US but I expect large bags of gold were waved in his (and his management's) direction - and when can you be allowed to make mistakes if not in your late teens and early 20s??

He earned his place in the Top 10 and he did it primarily in European Tour events, which generally have lower ranking points than PGA Tour events. So he did it the hard way and to query whether he deserves it, particularly with his finishes in teh Majors last year, is pretty strange, imho.

i think rory's main problem is that he tends to get frustrated rather easily on the course and throws away shots. He has got the all round game to be one of the best around without a doubt, but i think is on course temperment could be improved. This will get better the more tournamets he plays and over the coming years. i fully expect him to be a multi major winner.

My own prediction: Mac to crack the Major's market inside the next 3 years. Is it true his Da has a bet on him to win the Open before his 25th birthday?

It'll be interesting to see whom he gets paired with this time around. Always key for success, and I think the likes of Jimenez and Mickleson helped him lot in previous tournaments. Mickleson to win on Sunday, either him or one of the English lads, though I wouldn't have any objections to out Padraig donning the green jacket.

On a seperate note I expect him to perform well in the RC. Europe to conquer of course.

Hi Ben!
Very good interview with a good insight into Mc Ilroy's mentality.
Difficult to say what the future hold for RMcI having read it.
The skill and the talent are definitely here but, at just 20 years old, he seems to already show some signs of mental weakness. Firstly, by shouting out loud his hopes and ambitions for majors and, secondly, by having difficulty handling the dreaded "second" season, where public praise converts into expectation.
I think plenty of the new young players on Tour can compare to Tiger based on just pure golfing ability.
Not sure the same can be said about the mental approach and attitude.
This is where the difference is for me.
I know it probably sounds crazy but I don't actually rate Tiger that much when it comes to the technical side of golf. For me there are better drivers of the ball, better iron players, better short game artists, better putters than him.
For that matter, I think that there are better all-rounders than him.
It's been said before, his driving can be so erratic that he decides to just play 3 wood off the tee, his putting can often be hesitant and when you consider the time and dedication he has put into his golf since his very very early age, it makes me kind of think that Tiger has, after all, made the most out of an average talent (relatively speaking of course!).

However, having said that I don't think there is one guy out there, young or old, who is made of the same metal. Tiger's power is his mind and his ability to fight on, to bounce back or to reinvent himself. Whether from a bad drive or tee shot (the infamous Masters 16th chip-in) or from an injury or long layoff.
This week will mark the start of just how deep Tiger can dig.
Personally, I think he can do it. And just because he has persuaded himself that it was possible.

He comes across as affable, confident (why is this constantly seen as arrogance) and aware of his talent and potential.

We should be wishing him luck instead of trying to pick holes in his form at this stage - he is only 20 after all.

The back problems are a worry at this stage of his career but hopefully this can be rectified. Does anyone knowif this is a one off injury or something more sinister??

With discipline and the correct guidance he can certainly be a force in the years to come. I look forward to seeing him progress along with the other European young guns.

Good interview, hope Rory does it this weekend.

Went to the Masters last year, the Yanks across the pond absolutely love him and he quite likes them too.

Here's to a brilliant year of golf. Augusta, Whistling Straits, the Old Course & Pebble Beach - plus the Ryder Cup to boot! Hopefully we're in for an epic year of golf.

Ben - saw the video of you "playing" Augusta - course didn;t look too bad!

Listen here "Evra." I am myself an american and find it insulting that you so casually label me and my compatriots as "yanks." I find this term rude and feel it personally attacks my character. I take it by your username that you support the football club "Manchester United" and would like to take this opportunity to mock your pathetic loss to Chelsea as well as the fact that you will not only crumble in the Champions League but will also crash and burn in the League.

I refuse to be called a wind-up merchant. I simply give my opinions on sport

For all I care, everyone can ignore me. I however will not waver in my quest to deliver honest opinions on the wide world of sport. This is my sole prerogative. I come under constant criticism but see myself as a beacon of hopeful light in the monotonous world of sport. Ben Dirs, I shall not be visiting your blog again as I am bombarded with criticism from even you- who certainly should not be abusing his position of authority.

Good for Rory McIlroy to have the confidence to give a candid interview and allow you access, Ben. I hope the crop of young Europeans come good and manage a few majors over the next 5 or so years. We can't rely on Paudraig forever.

I followed Lee Westwood around the Redwood course in Houston at the weekend. Despite that golf requires immense amounts of concentration plus it was the final day in a tournament he was in contention for, he was very affable with and appreciative of the crowd. what a nice guy.

McIlroy is very talented but I think a major like this will be too much for him, he is only 20 and has already shown moments of class.

He has plenty of years left to win this, he isn't on form than some of the other players but is still a joy to watch overall I think it will be too hard for him at Augusta.

I hope he is up and around the top 10 in this tournament, but there are better players out there at the moment, Els, Mickelson and even fellow britain Lee Westwood.

Don't know what to expect from Tiger Woods, but I don't think if Woods is on fire McIlroy can challenge him. Will be too hard for the 20 year old in my view.

2 mistakes in 18:

Redstone and Padraig. Spent too much time in the sun at the weekend.

Sorry to say this until young Rory learns how to putt he will forever be an also ran just like sergio who can`t putt either, good figures tee to green mean nothing if you can`t putt.Rory dump the stupid management team take a leaf out of Martin Kaymer and use your god given talent play more golf tournaments !!!

N Ireland has produced plenty of top golfers. As a northern irishman i know Rory has sparked loads of interest in the sport from younger people which can only be a good thing. We respect him because despite his huge potential and the burden of expectation, hes not arrogant or brash. He still makes mistakes and will never be perfect but we will still support him. Come on Rory, Beat the yanks in their own back yard!!

Rory Mac is totally my hero! Go Rory!