WORLD NUMBER ONE Luke Donald has revealed he rates Rory McIlroy above Tiger Woods as he prepares to go head-to-head with the US Open champion at the Dubai World Championship this weekend.
After winning the PGA Tour title back in October, Donald is now vying for an historic money list double – a feat which he believes would be his biggest achievement in golf.
Standing in the way is McIlroy, whom he says has more talent than anybody else in the sport, including 14-times major winner Woods.
“Tiger’s work ethic has always been tremendous, and his mindset as well,” Donald said today. “But I think Rory has more pure talent.
“I have always said that, of the guys I’ve played with, Rory has the most talent. I see him winning lots of tournaments and lots of majors.”
Return
If the 22-year-old does manage to take first prize in Dubai, Donald needs only a top nine finish, which would cap an incredible return after the sudden death of his father and the birth of his second daughter Sophia saw him take a month-long break from competing.
“If it works out on Sunday it will be my biggest accomplishment,” he told the European Tour website, “It’s been a wide range of emotions, something you can’t ever prepare for,” he said.
“My father’s death was very, very sad and very tough, but the birth of my second daughter spread a little grace on the situation. I’m not sure he will specifically be on my mind this weekend, but it would be nice to win it for him.”
Yesterday, McIloy revealed his preparations for the showdown against the world No 1, Luke Donald, with some health concerns.
“I won’t get the results back until later on this week,” he told the European Tour website, “I picked up a virus and my white blood cell count was very low, so the tests were to see if it’s back up again.”
“I’m not energy-wise where I want to be, but I took a day off yesterday and took it easy. I’m going to play the pro-am today and practise and I’ll probably take another day off tomorrow – maybe hit a few balls.
“I’ll really try and conserve my energy and focus it all into the four tournament days. I’m not 100%, but I’m still able to go out and play 18 holes and try and give it my all,” he added.
