Boston-Homer

The pressure's on, Rory.

The Open Championship begins on Thursday, bright and early if you live in the United States (ESPN coverage begins at 4:00am ET). The coverage of the tournament seems to be begging for a "hero." Someone to burst into the realm of greatness, or for someone to lock their place in history (i.e. Michelson, Els, Luke Donald, Lee Westwood).

Rory McIlroy is obviously the newest and brightest star. It was interesting watching the press conferences of some of the other players, like Donald and Westwood. They took the questions about McIlroy, just like they used to field questions about Tiger. The media, the world of golf is salivating for a new "great." People are already claiming that if Rory wins this week that he will be that next great golfer. The one to challenge Tiger and Jack. The one who might re-write the record books.






These are the pictures that might haunt Rory if he struggles with his game (golf game
that is). 
The truth about McIlroy, as cruel as it may seem, is that this week is enormous for him. He proved he could bounce back from disappointment after his horrendous final 9 holes at The Masters. He came roaring (forgive the pun) back at the US Open and crushed the field.

Now, he has not played competitive golf since that tournament. He has traveled around the world and lived in the spotlight for the past five weeks. He has heard about how great he is, he has told endless reporters how he is just a "normal guy" in his hometown of Holywood, Northern Ireland.

Why is this week so important for Rory? Because if he does not do well (not necessarily win, but compete) the new storyline will be: "Can McIlroy manage both the pressure of golf with the fame his success has created?"

One thing we have all been quick to forget is how masterfully Tiger handled all the pressure. Looking back and considering Tiger's Foundation, his winning, his public life, and his (eh-hem) transgressions, Tiger was unbelievable. He never let anything steer him away from winning. If McIlroy would like to fill the void that Tiger so selfishly left open, he is going to have to balance all of the fame and pressure. This week Rory is under a lot of pressure. Will I be rooting for him? You bet, golf needs a new star. Tiger could be the villain when he returns, Rory just might be the knight in shining armor.