McIlroy set for Masters debut

Rory McIlroy looks sharp for a Masters debut next April. The 19 year old narrowly missed out in a European Tour win at the Hong Kong Open.

The Hong Kong Open went to a dramatic play off against Lin Wen Tang of Taipei. He may have lost out however he has now moved up to 50th in the world rankings. If McIlrol remains in the top 50 at the end of the next month he would earn himself a debut at Augusta. "It puts me in a great position going into the new year," said McIlroy.

The Irish man insisted the defeat in Hong Kong is already behing him as he focuses on making a solid start to 2009.

"As long as I can keep putting myself in these positions and feeling the nerves and the adrenaline, I'll know I'm doing things right," said McIlroy.
"I have two events left in South Africa. If I don't win there, I'll hopefully win sometime next year.
"As long as I keep putting myself in these positions, I'll be able to pull through sooner or later."

McIlrol has played some fantastic golf with a five under par 65 to enter a three way play off with Lin and Italy’s Francesco Molinari.

"I thought I probably did enough to make three at the first play-off hole and I had an incredible shot for my second shot, but it just wasn't meant to be," added McIlroy.
"Obviously it's still been a great week for me. I'll look back on it, and I've played really well. I couldn't have done much more."

McIlrol is proving that juniors can make their way forward on the European tour and that age plays no part in huge professional tournaments.