Rory on becoming number 1

[bunter101]

Can't some of you just give credit where credit is due? Here is a 22 Year old who may not have won as many tournaments as he should have. But is on the verge of becoming #1 golfer in the world. Absolutely washed the field in a major, which if it had been done by Tiger, you would still be making a mess in your briefs. Has a swing that is not only silk, but almost all the top coaches believe has longevity that will see him through to the twilight of his career. Speaks candidly to reporters, rather than hyperbole that usually comes out in such interviews.

Also remember, his time on tour was his apprenticeship as such. He didn't go to college, spent little time in the amateur ranks and basically got there due to his natural talent. Compare that to tiger who was basically brainwashed as a kid to become a golfer. To be the best mentally and physically. It's night and day compared to Rory who albeit he was encouraged by his parents, it was nothing like the sheer militarisation of Tiger as a child.

On the OWGR and everyone putting it down. Put yourself into Luke Donalds shoes, you have 2 years of some of the most consistent golf ever. If you had done the same, how would you feel? Or into Rory's shoes. You are 22 have a major in the bag and have the chance to be ranked as the #1 golfer in the world. Would you not feel damn proud of the achievement? I know for sure that i would!

[hogans71]

[quote name='bunter101' timestamp='1330862205' post='4431249']
Can't some of you just give credit where credit is due? Here is a 22 Year old who may not have won as many tournaments as he should have. But is on the verge of becoming #1 golfer in the world. Absolutely washed the field in a major, which if it had been done by Tiger, you would still be making a mess in your briefs. Has a swing that is not only silk, but almost all the top coaches believe has longevity that will see him through to the twilight of his career. Speaks candidly to reporters, rather than hyperbole that usually comes out in such interviews.

Also remember, his time on tour was his apprenticeship as such. He didn't go to college, spent little time in the amateur ranks and basically got there due to his natural talent. Compare that to tiger who was basically brainwashed as a kid to become a golfer. To be the best mentally and physically. It's night and day compared to Rory who albeit he was encouraged by his parents, it was nothing like the sheer militarisation of Tiger as a child.

On the OWGR and everyone putting it down. Put yourself into Luke Donalds shoes, you have 2 years of some of the most consistent golf ever. If you had done the same, how would you feel? Or into Rory's shoes. You are 22 have a major in the bag and have the chance to be ranked as the #1 golfer in the world. Would you not feel damn proud of the achievement? I know for sure that i would!
[/quote]

Very good post...

Sadly, this will be spun somehow as a sleight to TW and all his accomplishments. Or how the OWGR's are utter bunk in this day in age. Or how he can't close and should have triple the victories by now. Or how it wasn't done when TW was at his peak. Or how he doesn't "move the needle" enough. Or....

[corky]

[quote name='hogans71' timestamp='1330864070' post='4431281']
[quote name='bunter101' timestamp='1330862205' post='4431249']
Can't some of you just give credit where credit is due? Here is a 22 Year old who may not have won as many tournaments as he should have. But is on the verge of becoming #1 golfer in the world. Absolutely washed the field in a major, which if it had been done by Tiger, you would still be making a mess in your briefs. Has a swing that is not only silk, but almost all the top coaches believe has longevity that will see him through to the twilight of his career. Speaks candidly to reporters, rather than hyperbole that usually comes out in such interviews.

Also remember, his time on tour was his apprenticeship as such. He didn't go to college, spent little time in the amateur ranks and basically got there due to his natural talent. Compare that to tiger who was basically brainwashed as a kid to become a golfer. To be the best mentally and physically. It's night and day compared to Rory who albeit he was encouraged by his parents, it was nothing like the sheer militarisation of Tiger as a child.

On the OWGR and everyone putting it down. Put yourself into Luke Donalds shoes, you have 2 years of some of the most consistent golf ever. If you had done the same, how would you feel? Or into Rory's shoes. You are 22 have a major in the bag and have the chance to be ranked as the #1 golfer in the world. Would you not feel damn proud of the achievement? I know for sure that i would!
[/quote]

Very good post...

Sadly, this will be spun somehow as a sleight to TW and all his accomplishments. Or how the OWGR's are utter bunk in this day in age. Or how he can't close and should have triple the victories by now. Or how it wasn't done when TW was at his peak. Or how he doesn't "move the needle" enough. Or....
[/quote]
or he has clown hair.....

[TheDarkOne]

[quote name='bobfoster' timestamp='1330783001' post='4425175']
I'l say again ... the No. 1 ranking is freaking meaningless. It is merely statistical.
[/quote]

Bob,
What statistically does being number in the world mean? Specifically, what would this equation quantify.

[nospleen]

I am a Tiger fan and will admit that Rorys scares the hell out of me. We all want our players to be the best, hold the records, etc. Rory may only have one major now, but he has unlimited potential.

Even with me being biased to Tiger. I just cannot root against Rory. He carries himself very well, has a great attitude, and has come back from adversity. He is deserving of the #1 position that he will probably reach today.

I still cannot believe he is only 22. Wow, just wow...

[bobfoster]

[quote name='TheDarkOne' timestamp='1330866039' post='4431341']
[quote name='bobfoster' timestamp='1330783001' post='4425175']
I'l say again ... the No. 1 ranking is freaking meaningless. It is merely statistical.
[/quote]

Bob,
What statistically does being number in the world mean? Specifically, what would this equation quantify.
[/quote]


What does it mean? Really? It means that according to the convoluted math the OWGR uses, you're at the top. The current number 1 had a couple of wins, and no majors.

Forget about Rory matching Tiger or Jack's record ... it will take insane talent to match Phil's record. And Phil has never been "number 1" ...

[HCEG1]

It's worth noting what his closest challengers (today) are saying:

"I would say the whole environment might be intimidating or the whole arena," Gillis said. "I've been on the receiving end of that. I've played good in the last round of events and never missed a shot, and I've sat on the other side and watched somebody never miss a shot, and it's a little bit frustrating, because you're like, hey, how am I going to beat the guy, he hasn't missed and he's in your group.

Even English couldn't help but be impressed by the player he, too, is trying to catch.

[i]"I think he's the best player in the world right now," the rookie said. [b]"I mean, hands down."[/[/b]i]
http://www.pgatour.com/2012/tournaments/r010/03/03/mcilroy-honda-wacker/index.html#

[Vindog]

[quote name='bobfoster' timestamp='1330869261' post='4431495']What does it mean? Really? It means that according to the convoluted math the OWGR uses, you're at the top. The current number 1 had a couple of wins, and no majors.

Forget about Rory matching Tiger or Jack's record ... it will take insane talent to match Phil's record. And Phil has never been "number 1" ...
[/quote]
Well that because he was playing behind the guy who was statistically at the top for about 11 years, due to his hardware. Then, when the opportunity arose for Phil to get there, he couldn't.

People don't care for the OWGR, unless they want to point out that Tiger was there for so long,. Then it's the best thing ever. Here Rory has a chance to be #1, with wins and a major. There is no arguing it anymore should he win and get there.

Some might have sour grapes about that fact. But...they're just going to have to deal with it.

[deasy55]

[quote name='bobfoster' timestamp='1330869261' post='4431495']
Forget about Rory matching Tiger or Jack's record ... it will take insane talent to match Phil's record. And Phil has never been "number 1" ...
[/quote]

The way Rory has been playing the last few years he could match Phil's record by the age of 25

[hogans71]

[quote name='Vindog' timestamp='1330869772' post='4431513']
[quote name='bobfoster' timestamp='1330869261' post='4431495']What does it mean? Really? It means that according to the convoluted math the OWGR uses, you're at the top. The current number 1 had a couple of wins, and no majors.

Forget about Rory matching Tiger or Jack's record ... it will take insane talent to match Phil's record. And Phil has never been "number 1" ...
[/quote]


People don't care for the OWGR, unless they want to point out that Tiger was there for so long,. Then it's the best thing ever. Here Rory has a chance to be #1, with wins and a major. There is no arguing it anymore should he win and get there.

[/quote]

Really, this is all that needs to be said. Being no. 1 was indeed very important until... He was no longer...

[HCEG1]

[quote name='bobfoster' timestamp='1330869261' post='4431495']
[quote name='TheDarkOne' timestamp='1330866039' post='4431341']

Bob,
What statistically does being number in the world mean? Specifically, what would this equation quantify.
[/quote]


What does it mean? Really? It means that according to the convoluted math the OWGR uses, you're at the top. The current number 1 had a couple of wins, and no majors.

Forget about Rory matching Tiger or Jack's record ... [b]it will take insane talent to match Phil's record[/b]. And Phil has never been "number 1" ...
[/quote]


I would have thought 'insane talent' would give most players more than 4 majors in over 20 years on tour, including just 2 top 10's in the Open Championship

Gary Player bagged 9 majors and I can't think of anyone who would describe his talent as anywhere near insanely good. As for his drive and determination, well that's another story....

[Vindog]

I think some people are confusing #1 owgr with #1 all time ranking. Nobody is saying that if you make it to #1 you're all of the sudden on the short list of all time greats.

OWGR tells us who the best players are RIGHT NOW based on their play in the last 24 months. You have to play well to get there, and you have to play just as well (if not better really) to stay there. I remember the days of no owgr system, as many do so I can kind of understand the bias against it. But the world of golf is vastly different now than it was then. Vastly different. There are better players from around the globe like golf has never seen.

Is is perfect? no. Is it convoluted? NO. You get points based on your results and it's divided to come up with an average. Are MLB's batting averages convoluted? How about NHL goalies GAA, or save percentages?

[Pleasedwith3putts]

Well done Rory - nothing more to say

[Muckyboy]

[quote name='Pleasedwith3putts' timestamp='1330902279' post='4435617']
Well done Rory - nothing more to say
[/quote]

+1 - Asked and answered.

[SurfDuffer]

I finally feel like we have a legit #1 after the past couple. I'm not a Rory fan at all but Luke Donald......Lee Westwood.....Really??????

[1970.gpp]

[quote name='HCEG1' timestamp='1330415655' post='4393893']
Rory has come out in bullish fashion in this article:

"Getting to the top of the rankings is hopefully inevitable, if I keep ­playing the way I am at the minute,"

"This is no disrespect to the guys in the other semi-final — Hunter and Mark Wilson — but to me, the semi-final against Lee was like my final," McIlroy said. "That was the one I wanted all week and I got it. That's what I got myself up for. Maybe mentally and emotionally, it did take a little bit out of me."

[url="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/golf/9109665/Rory-McIlroy-says-he-is-playing-so-well-that-deposing-Luke-Donald-as-the-world-No1-is-inevitable.html"]http://www.telegraph...inevitable.html[/url]
[/quote]

It's cr*p. He has done little to nothing to deserve #1 at this point. One major? Please!

[nospleen]

[quote name='14max' timestamp='1330917270' post='4437649']
[quote name='HCEG1' timestamp='1330415655' post='4393893']
Rory has come out in bullish fashion in this article:

"Getting to the top of the rankings is hopefully inevitable, if I keep ­playing the way I am at the minute,"

"This is no disrespect to the guys in the other semi-final — Hunter and Mark Wilson — but to me, the semi-final against Lee was like my final," McIlroy said. "That was the one I wanted all week and I got it. That's what I got myself up for. Maybe mentally and emotionally, it did take a little bit out of me."

[url="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/golf/9109665/Rory-McIlroy-says-he-is-playing-so-well-that-deposing-Luke-Donald-as-the-world-No1-is-inevitable.html"]http://www.telegraph...inevitable.html[/url]
[/quote]

It's cr*p. He has done little to nothing to deserve #1 at this point. One major? Please!
[/quote]

They all play under the same point system. Rory earned it, just like Martin, Lee, and Luke before him. Give him his due...

[SwooshLT]

[quote name='Vindog' timestamp='1330871702' post='4431647']
I think some people are confusing #1 owgr with #1 all time ranking. Nobody is saying that if you make it to #1 you're all of the sudden on the short list of all time greats.

OWGR tells us who the best players are RIGHT NOW based on their play in the last 24 months. You have to play well to get there, and you have to play just as well (if not better really) to stay there. I remember the days of no owgr system, as many do so I can kind of understand the bias against it. But the world of golf is vastly different now than it was then. Vastly different. There are better players from around the globe like golf has never seen.

Is is perfect? no. Is it convoluted? NO. You get points based on your results and it's divided to come up with an average. Are MLB's batting averages convoluted? How about NHL goalies GAA, or save percentages?
[/quote]


Well said Vindog....I'm glad I scrolled up to see your response....not sure who people think deserves to be RANKED #1??? You accrue points over a set time period....period!!! it's that simple....The guy has 12 top ten's in last 13 events worldwide.....BUT, this is not a hot streak.....this is just one of those freakishly consistent guys that just stripes it or gets up-n-down from everywhere.....

[MileHighClub]

Most of the people dissing on McIlroy here are teenage boys who obsess about Eldrick Woods. They dream about Eldrick at night and follow his every word during the day. They live on a bizarre Woods fantasy world and look with disdain on ANY other golfer. Sad.

[bobfoster]

[quote name='MileHighClub' timestamp='1330919270' post='4437903']
Most of the people dissing on McIlroy here are teenage boys who obsess about Eldrick Woods. They dream about Eldrick at night and follow his every word during the day. They live on a bizarre Woods fantasy world and look with disdain on ANY other golfer. Sad.
[/quote]


Er ... I'm not a teenage boy ... I'm 54 ... and have seen several dozen Rory's look amazing ... and then disappear. He's in his early 20's ... has a girlfriend ... but no marriage, or kids ... and has not had to go through any physical problems ... his total focus is still golf ... but that doesn't last forever ...

Yes ... he's fun to watch ... but so is Paddy, and Lee, and Luke, and Camillo ... and and and ... I certainly do not look with disdain on Rory ... but when he wins his 10th tourney, and fifth major ... THEN I'll start thinking he may be it the elite league ...

[tbowles411]

[quote name='bobfoster' timestamp='1330920230' post='4438007']
[quote name='MileHighClub' timestamp='1330919270' post='4437903']
Most of the people dissing on McIlroy here are teenage boys who obsess about Eldrick Woods. They dream about Eldrick at night and follow his every word during the day. They live on a bizarre Woods fantasy world and look with disdain on ANY other golfer. Sad.
[/quote]


Er ... I'm not a teenage boy ... I'm 54 ... and have seen several dozen Rory's look amazing ... and then disappear. He's in his early 20's ... has a girlfriend ... but no marriage, or kids ... and has not had to go through any physical problems ... his total focus is still golf ... but that doesn't last forever ...

Yes ... he's fun to watch ... but so is Paddy, and Lee, and Luke, and Camillo ... and and and ... I certainly do not look with disdain on Rory ... but when he wins his 10th tourney, and fifth major ... THEN I'll start thinking he may be it the elite league ...
[/quote]
Being a 40-something, I share this sentiment. Except for Camillo...

[cdnglf]

[quote name='bobfoster' timestamp='1330920230' post='4438007']
[quote name='MileHighClub' timestamp='1330919270' post='4437903']
Most of the people dissing on McIlroy here are teenage boys who obsess about Eldrick Woods. They dream about Eldrick at night and follow his every word during the day. They live on a bizarre Woods fantasy world and look with disdain on ANY other golfer. Sad.
[/quote]


Er ... I'm not a teenage boy ... I'm 54 ... and have seen several dozen Rory's look amazing ... and then disappear. He's in his early 20's ... has a girlfriend ... but no marriage, or kids ... and has not had to go through any physical problems ... his total focus is still golf ... but that doesn't last forever ...

Yes ... he's fun to watch ... but so is Paddy, and Lee, and Luke, and Camillo ... and and and ... I certainly do not look with disdain on Rory ... but when he wins his 10th tourney, and fifth major ... THEN I'll start thinking he may be it the elite league ...
[/quote]

Who are these "several dozen Rorys"? I can only think of two guys in the last 30+ years who were similarly accomplished at that age: Tiger and Seve.

[kitsoasis]

Where are the dozens of 22 year old major winner + #1s i've missed?

[BigPete]

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emHiby0kICo[/media]

[irlgolf56]

[quote name='BigPete' timestamp='1330945600' post='4439109']
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emHiby0kICo[/media]
[/quote]

This is exactly the type of press McIlroy was getting as a child.

This also puts it into perspective, he says "I want to win all the majors" and everyone thinks aww that's cute, but don't really believe it.

Now, already at 22, is it that far removed from reality?

[hogans71]

[quote name='cdnglf' timestamp='1330921674' post='4438163']
[quote name='bobfoster' timestamp='1330920230' post='4438007']
[quote name='MileHighClub' timestamp='1330919270' post='4437903']
Most of the people dissing on McIlroy here are teenage boys who obsess about Eldrick Woods. They dream about Eldrick at night and follow his every word during the day. They live on a bizarre Woods fantasy world and look with disdain on ANY other golfer. Sad.
[/quote]


Er ... I'm not a teenage boy ... I'm 54 ... and have seen several dozen Rory's look amazing ... and then disappear. He's in his early 20's ... has a girlfriend ... but no marriage, or kids ... and has not had to go through any physical problems ... his total focus is still golf ... but that doesn't last forever ...

Yes ... he's fun to watch ... but so is Paddy, and Lee, and Luke, and Camillo ... and and and ... I certainly do not look with disdain on Rory ... but when he wins his 10th tourney, and fifth major ... THEN I'll start thinking he may be it the elite league ...
[/quote]

Who are these "several dozen Rorys"? I can only think of two guys in the last 30+ years who were similarly accomplished at that age: Tiger and Seve.
[/quote]


This confuses me as well as Bob has mentioned this numerous times...

[Hogan's Cardy]

Sheeesh here we go again...a new #1 and a new bellyache. As Vindog said, we know how the rankings work and what they mean and it's not exactly rocket science. If you have difficulty accepting with Luke, Lee or Rory as being a worthwhile #1 then it's your problem, not theirs. They just go out and play and let their results speak for themselves while you sit at home plotting new ways to pick holes in their achievements.

It's embittered, sad and thankfully, irrelevant. These guys have nothing to prove to people like that, nothing at all and I doubt they give two hoots who considers them good enough to count in their own little "elite league" either.

[spooky]

I'm looking forward to this list of several dozen people who have won at least this many times and got a major by the age of 22.

[Vindog]

I'm excited for Rory, but I'll bring this up too, because this will be the next thing I'll be looking at...

Now that he's #1, he's got that bull's eye on his back, and he wakes up to find out that he has the eyes of the world (nod to Jerry).

How will he play with that. That will be interesting to see.

[spooky]

I think he is already used to having the eyes of the world on him and having high expectations placed on him.