McIlroy readied for Walker test

Seven weeks after being a star of the Open Championship 18-year-old Rory McIlroy brings down the curtain on his glittering amateur career this weekend.

And what a stage he has to do it-— a Walker Cup debut an hour from his Holywood home on the magnificent Royal County Down links.

Tipped for great things when he joins the professional ranks, with his debut likely to come in the British Masters at The Belfry in two weeks' time, McIlroy simply cannot wait to try to take the trophy back off the Americans.

"I'm just really looking forward to it," said the young Ulsterman after practising today.  "A lot of people have made comparisons about Carnoustie and this week but I think it's completely different.

"You're playing for nine other guys out there. The crowds at Carnoustie were pretty awesome but I think this week's going to be so much better - for me and for everyone else.

"I think the atmosphere on the first tee come Saturday morning is going to be electric and with the crowds walking with you on the fairways it creates a buzz around the place."

Winner of back-to-back Irish amateur titles and last year's European championship, McIlroy hit the headlines around the world with his opening 68 in the Open.

It put him in joint third place behind Sergio Garcia and Paul McGinley and while he eventually finished "only" 42nd some very good judges had seen enough.

Winner Padraig Harrington said at the presentation ceremony: "I'm glad I got in before he gets one. I think he will win a few Open Championships in the future."

Henrik Stenson and Miguel Angel Jimenez had been out-scored playing with McIlroy that first day and when Scott Verplank was beaten by six over the closing 18 holes his comment was: "Rory's a very fine player. He's 18, looks 14 and plays like a 28-year-old. He has a game that is far beyond his years."

And Verplank's parting words to the teenager were: "Don't beat the Americans too bad in the Walker Cup."

Britain and Ireland captain Colin Dalgleish stated: "His technique is sound, he has great flair and he just goes out and does it.

"It's a great and amazing coincidence to have somebody of Rory's exceptional talent to come along at this moment in time when the matches are being played here.

"He's going to raise the profile and as well as his playing ability he's a great team member. Rory gets no special priveleges on the team, but certainly on the course we're expecting great things of him."

Team-mate Lloyd Saltman, the only Scot in the side and a brilliant 15th in the Open himself at St Andrews two years ago, added: "Rory is a fantastic talent — 18 years old and achieved so much already.

"He brings great things to the team because obviously he's proved that he can perform under the pressure. And this week is the highest pinnacle of amateur golf, so there's going to be pressure."

Saltman knows. He and Welsh pair Rhys Davies and Nigel Edwards are the three survivors from the side beaten on the last green of the last match in Chicago two years ago.

Edwards, at 39 easily the old man of the team, was the player who lost that game, but he was also the player who gave Britain and Ireland victory on the last green of the last match at Ganton in 2003.

Another close encounter is likely, but home advantage has made Britain and Ireland favourites for a fourth win in five matches.

Gary Wolstenholme, who switches this year from a playing to a commentating role, said: "The course is so uniquely quirky and I was surprised the American squad didn't come over before last weekend.

"That's one of the reasons I think they are at a disadvantage — and they don't like to feel they are underdogs."  PA