Delighted McIlroy reflects upon great year

US Open champion looking forward to assault on PGA Tour in 2012

Eyes on the prize: Rory McIlroy is hoping to top off 2011 by catching Luke Donald in the Race to Dubai

Reflecting upon a rollercoaster year in which he came back from a calamitous final round at the Masters to become a record-breaking, runaway winner at the very next major, the US Open, Rory McIlory revealed he was delighted with what he achieved in 2011.

The young Northern Irishman also had a turbulent year away from the course. Having parted from both his long-term girlfriend, and management company, ISM, McIlroy has been dating tennis star Caroline Wozniacki and has joined compatriot Graeme McDowell in the Horizon Sports stable.

Despite that tumult, the 21-year-old recently reached a new high of 2nd in the World Rankings, and was evidently delighted with how his season had transpired.

“It’s been a great year,” said McIlroy, speaking on the eve of the Hong Kong Open, where he will be seeking a top-two finish to keep alive his hopes of surpassing Luke Donald in the Race to Dubai.

“There’s been a few changes on the golf course, off the golf course, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

“It’s been interesting for me to say the least, from having a great chance at the start of the year at Augusta to winning my first major.

“I learned a lot about myself and a lot about what I actually needed to do to become major champion, and I feel like I’ve put a lot of that experience into practise at the US Open.

“I’ve played very, very well this year. Climbing to No.2 in the World Rankings feels like a big achievement for me, and to get another win a few weeks ago in Shanghai was nice, and it would be great to finish off the season well with a good result here.”

McIlroy recently stated that he would be taking up membership of the PGA Tour once again in 2012, having relinquished his place on the American circuit this season. The 21-year-old from Hollywood, Northern Ireland revealed that, this time around, he will be better prepared to compete in the US.

“I’m basically just going to add a couple more events to my schedule in America,” said McIlroy. “It’s not a drastic change. And I just felt it was something that I wanted to do.

“I gave it a go in 2010, and felt like it just wasn’t the right time because I didn’t have a base in America and sort of going from hotel to hotel every week didn’t really work for me. So now that I’m going to get a base in Florida and maybe spend the first few months of the year there, it makes it easier to play both tours.

“So that’s basically the reason I want to play in America. I feel as if I have played well there, the golf courses suit me and it’s a great tour to play.

“It doesn’t mean I’m going to neglect my European Tour status or play any less events. Luke Donald has proved this year that you can play both tours and you can be successful.

“He’s won the money title in America and it looks like barring Martin Kaymer or myself do something very good the last couple of weeks, he’s going to win the Money List in Europe, as well. He’s proved this year that it can be done.”

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered