Rory McIlroy will try to emulate Tiger Woods at Royal St George's here this week by winning the British Open four weeks after winning the US Open. Woods was the last to achieve that rare feat in 2000 when he staggered the golf world by winning the US Open at Pebble Beach by 15 strokes and then taking the British equivalent by eight strokes at St Andrews. The American was 24 when he achieved that feat, two years older than McIlroy who lifted the first half of the double by demolishing the field to win the US Open by eight shots at Congressional Country Club outside Washington. Sadly, Woods will not be on hand to challenge golf's new superstar as the fallen idol continues to battle the serious leg injuries that have cast doubts on the rest of the 35-year-old's career. And with Phil Mickelson rarely a serious contender on links courses, the US threat looks distinctly threadbare with the world's top three players – Englishmen Luke Donald and Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer of Germany – all joining McIlroy atop the betting charts. The Ulsterman took three weeks off after Congressional, but played two practice rounds at Royal St George's last week before heading home again and only returning Tuesday. Asked if the pressure and expectations on his shoulders would be all the greater for having won his first Major at the US Open so handsomely. McIlroy replied: “It's nice to get that first one out of the way and focus on getting more.” “It has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders.”
