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I'll never be as good as Woods once was - McIlroy

Rory McIlroy expects to win another major in 2012 © Getty Images

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Reigning US Open champion Rory McIlroy believes we've seen the best of Tiger Woods - because the American's form earlier in his career was as good as anyone will ever play the game.

McIlroy has been touted as the future of golf ever since his impressive victory in the second major of the year at Congressional, especially as the dominant manner of his triumph evoked memories of Woods' similar triumphs of 2000 and 2001 - where he won the 'Tiger Slam' thanks to some comprehensive displays.

Woods has been struggling this year - missing the cut on his last appearance at the US PGA Championship - but McIlroy believes a decline from such lofty standards was inevitable.

"We saw the best of Tiger in 2000 and 2001. I don't think golf can be played any better than that," McIlroy said. "He didn't even need to play that well to win tournaments - he won the US Open by 15 shots, the Open by eight - so I think we've seen the best of him, but that's not to say he won't win again.

"But it will be difficult for him because the fields are so much deeper. He set the benchmark and that's where we're all trying to get to. I don't think anybody has got there yet but we're getting closer."

McIlroy firmly includes himself in that group, and admits after tasting major success for the first time he now expects it to become a regular occurrence.

"I want to give myself a good chance in all four majors," he said. "If I was sat down here next year and hadn't won one I'd be disappointed. It would be an opportunity missed."

Three of the four majors each year are played in the United States - and McIlroy has caused something of a stir by deciding to take up PGA Tour membership for 2012. While sorry to cut back his appearances on the European Tour, the Northern Irishman believes the move makes sense for his career.

"My game is suited to the States. I just like to play over there, that's the main reason," he said. "I'm a bit of a fair-weather golfer, even I'd admit that!

"My natural ball flight is more suited to those conditions than it is to the windy conditions you get in the UK or Ireland. So I'll have more of a chance playing in the sunshine."

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