Reality Check on Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy picked up his maiden European Tour victory at the Dubai Desert Classic last weekend.  The win catapulted the 19 year old to 16th in the Official World Golf Ranking.

In his short professional career, McIlroy has a win and two playoff losses on the European Tour.  He has shown a depth of talent that rivals any player on that circuit.  His victory earned him the opportunity to play at the WGC Accenture Match Play, and he will likely find himself in all four majors this year.

He is drawing comparisons to Tiger Woods from Woods' friend Mark O'Meara, some Euro Tour players, and the European press.

There is no doubt that this kid is incredibly talented.  Being the seventh youngest winner on the European Tour proves that.  Still, let's not get ahead of ourselves. 

We have been wondering for the better part of ten years when Sergio Garcia will win a major, and not the 5th major.  He has had a lot of close calls, but is under worsening pressure each year to break through.

McIlroy may well win this year's Masters.  I don't know.  But, it seems like the lofty expectations placed on almost all golfing youngsters rarely results in victories.  Tadd Fujikawa is great on Hawaii, but nowhere else.  Michelle Wie has almost won several LPGA majors, but has since had to rebuild her career.  Has anyone heard from Casey Wittenberg lately? 

Before we get too ahead of ourselves, let's appreciate what McIlroy has already achieved and be pleasantly un-surprised if he does better things soon.