Golf: Tiger motivated by ‘Rory’ factor

LOS ANGELES: Tiger Woods said that he is excited about renewing his burgeoning rivalry with Rory McIlroy at this week’s Barclays tournament in New York.

Former world number one Woods and the man long regarded as his heir apparent, Northern Irishman McIlroy, have been grouped together for the opening two rounds on the challenging Bethpage Black course at Bethpage State Park. “It’s going to be fun for both of us,” he said.

“I enjoy playing with Rory, and I hope he feels the same way. He’s a great kid. I just hope that everyone just lets him grow and develop as a player because it’s going to be fun to see over the next 20 years how this kid’s career is going to pan out.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 24^th, 2012.