大象传媒

Rory McIlroy can be world number one 'within a year'

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Rory McIlroy's manager believes the newly-crowned US Open champion will be world number one within the next year.

The 22-year-old moved to fourth in the world rankings with his record-breaking win at Congressional.

Andrew 'Chubby' Chandler said: "I think there will a good tussle for number one in the world for another year.

"But I will be amazed if Rory didn't get to number one in the world within a year's time."

McIlroy became the youngest major champion since Tiger Woods in 1997, with rounds of 65, 66, 68 and 69 for a tournament record, 16-under-par total of 268.

The win comes just 10 weeks after he crumbled on the last day of the US Masters when he was on the cusp of victory, blowing a four-shot lead on the final day to plummet down the leaderboard.

Chandler said: "It was a monumental effort and a stunning riposte to the comments he got after Augusta, like 'Rory meltdown'.

"To win his first major the way he did was amazing."

McIlroy will miss the French Open on 30 June to concentrate on promotional and corporate engagements, including a visit to Wimbledon.

And then he will turn his attention to the Open Championship next month.

"One of the great things about Rory is that he doesn't have to play very often," said Chandler. "He turns up sharp whether he has had two or three weeks off.

"So he will have a rest before the Open."

For his part, McIlroy is determined to build on Sunday's triumph.

"I don't want this to be the peak of everything. I want to try and win more majors," said the Northern Irishman.

"Hopefully I can become the best golfer in the world at some point. That would be a huge dream come true."

McIlroy could be forgiven for feeling "jaded" after celebrating long into the early morning on Monday.

McIlroy even drinking champagne from the trophy.

"I had a good time last night. Having my Dad there was fantastic," he said. "To have him there to enjoy the experience of [me] winning my first major was very special. I don't think it has quite sunk in yet.

"Looking back on yesterday, it was really nice to enjoy the last few holes and soak it all in."

McIlroy is expected to return home to Northern Ireland on Wednesday.

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