• European Tour

McIlroy sets his sights on Tiger

ESPN staff
June 19, 2011
Rory McIlroy won his first major title with an eight-shot victory at the US Open © Getty Images
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Rory McIlroy hopes he can go head-to-head with Tiger Woods at next month's Open after claiming his maiden major title.

McIlroy, who has confirmed that he will not play in next week's French Open following his US Open victory at Congressional, is set to return to action at Sandwich on July 14, where he will bid to become the first back-to-back major winner since Padraig Harrington in 2008.

Graeme McDowell also withdrew from the French Open in Paris following his first major victory last year, and McIlroy has opted to follow suit to recover from an emotional week in Washington.

McIlroy's eight-shot victory was in the absence of 14-time major winner Woods, and McIlroy, who is desperate to play the final day alongside his boyhood hero, hopes Woods will be fit for the third major of the year at Royal St George's.

"I've watched Tiger over the last 15 years. It would be great," McIlroy said. "When I was growing up, I always had putts to win against Tiger Woods in the Masters or US Open.

"So it would be great to be able to get in contention one day, whether it be a major or just a regular event and go down the stretch with him because I've never really had that experience before.

"As I said, hopefully he can get healthy and can get back playing good golf, because the game of golf is a better place with him playing well."

Defending champion Miguel Angel Jimenez and Martin Kaymer lead the field at Le Golf National, the venue for the 2018 Ryder Cup.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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