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McIlroy plays down Tiger comparisons

Rory McIlroy won his second major title on Sunday © Getty Images

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Rory McIlroy has cautioned fans not to expect him to emulate Tiger Woods' major record after supplanting the American as the second youngest player to win two major titles.

McIlroy, 23, claimed the US PGA Championship on Sunday after a remarkable performance at Kiawah Island - with only Seve Ballesteros and Jack Nicklaus having won multiple majors at a younger age in the game's modern era.

Both Nicklaus (18 majors) and Woods (14) went on to add to their trophy cabinets extensively after fast starts to their careers, but McIlroy is understandably reluctant to say he will now simply go on and emulate their achievements.

"He [Woods] went on that incredible run from 2000 to 2002 and won so many - I'd love to sit up here and tell you that I'm going to do the same thing (now) but I just don't know," McIlroy said. "It has been great to back up my first major with one more this year - I can't ask for any more. I just want to keep working hard, keep practising and hopefully there are a few more of these in my closet when my career finishes."

McIlroy replaced Luke Donald as world No. 1 with the win on the Ocean Course, an extra sweetener on top of a triumph that silenced some growing criticism about his recent work ethic.

"There are a few emotions going through. There's quite a bit of relief to get the second one out of the way. I am just so happy that I was able to play like this and win another major," he said.

"I think I made it very clear that I wasn't too happy with how I've performed in the majors since the U.S. Open [win at Congressional]. I didn't really contend. I talked about giving myself a chance and to be honest, that's all I wanted to do.

"I feel these days when I give myself a chance to win one of these big tournaments, I can draw on the memories of Augusta [where he blew a four-shot lead at the 2011 US Masters], of Congressional, and now of today, and know what I did out there and know what to do again."

Elsewhere in the world rankings, both Adam Scott and Justin Rose climbed to sixth and seventh respectively after strong finishes in South Carolina. US PGA runner-up David Lynn was the biggest climber, the Englishman moving from 98th in the world rankings to 40th as a result of his finish.

World Rankings: 1. Rory McIlroy (NIR), 2. Luke Donald (ENG), 3. Tiger Woods (USA), 4. Lee Westwood (ENG), 5. Webb Simpson (USA), 6. Adam Scott (USA), 7. Justin Rose (ENG), 8. Bubba Watson (USA), 9. Jason Dufner (USA), 10. Steve Stricker (USA), 11. Matt Kuchar (USA), 12. Keegan Bradley (USA), 13. Graeme McDowell (NIR), 14. Zach Johnson (USA), 15. Hunter Mahan (USA), 16. Louis Oosthuizen (SAF), 17. Ernie Els (SAF), 18. Dustin Johnson (USA), 19. Phil Mickelson (USA), 20. Rickie Fowler (USA).

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