Rory McIlroy: Bold Predictions for Rory McIlroy on Day 1

Rory McIlroy’s ceiling is sky-high.

But he does have a ceiling.

McIlroy will enter the 2012 U.S. Open looking to defend his throne. Here is a pair of bold predictions.

Rory Will Rise

McIlroy’s talent is undeniable. Despite being just 23 years old, he’s the No. 2 ranked golfer in the world.

He won his first and only major in last year’s U.S. Open. Because of that, McIlroy is going to come in as confident as anyone. He possesses a skill set beyond his years and if his head is on straight, he's primed to do some damage.

Ron Borges of the Boston Globe reported that McIlroy is composed going into the U.S. Open. The star said before the event:

"

It’s just finding a balance of everything, with getting enough practice time, sponsor commitments, media. You know, what tournaments to play, having a life outside of what you do around golf. It’s about finding a balance. And it’s something I still feel like I’m learning to do. But I’m not complaining. I feel like I’m in a great place.

"

Expect McIlroy to explode on Day 1.

It Won’t Be Enough

McIlroy will be in the race for the U.S. Open crown until the 18th hole on the final day, but he won't finish strong. He’ll fall short in the end to a determined Tiger Woods.

While McIlroy is confident, he simply isn’t the competitive force that Woods is. He doesn’t possess a killer instinct. McIlroy will win plenty of majors in his career despite that lack of passion, but not this week.

Tiger wants needs it too—badly. Woods’ career is as prolific as it gets. And when analysts are labeling this year’s U.S. Open as a contest that would be the greatest win of his career, you know he’s going to bring it.

Now that Woods’ swagger is back after a victory at the Memorial Tournament, it’d be foolish to give the edge to McIlroy.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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