EUROPEAN TOUR:RORY McILROY made such a sparkling start to his professional career a year ago that many people thought he had the game to become the youngest player in Ryder Cup history in two weeks.
It has not happened, but despite finding himself "only" 89th on the Order of Merit, the 19-year-old is far from dejected about how things are going so far.
"Of course it's been a bit disappointing given the way I started, but if you'd asked me when I was at the Walker Cup last September I'd have taken this," said McIlroy, in Crans-sur-Sierre, Switzerland, for the European Masters, which starts today.
"I got my card last year without having to go to the qualifying school and I've already earned enough this season to keep my card.
"I've just got to stay patient. I'm hitting it as well as I have all year and if I keep improving like I am, I know that in six years' time I'm going to be a pretty good player."
Leading amateur at last year's British Open, the Co Down man's second start as a pro saw him finish third behind Nick Dougherty and Justin Rose in the Dunhill Links Championship.
Just a week later he was fourth in the Madrid Open, and from four tournaments he earned just under €300,000. Everybody in golf sat up and took notice.
However, from 20 events this year, his earnings are not much more than in 2007 and he has not made a cut since he failed to qualify for the British Open in July.
"It's probably been good for me in the long run," he adds. "It does not seem as easy as it did at first and that's kept me working hard.
"Most of the cuts I've missed are only by one or two shots and I definitely feel I am on the right track."
As for those who were predicting a place on Nick Faldo's team for him, McIlroy comments: "I don't care if I don't play the Ryder Cup. I would rather win a major."
His goal for the rest of the season is to climb into the top 60 on the money list to qualify for the Volvo Masters at Valderrama.
This week is a golden opportunity to make a big move.
With Lee Westwood down with tonsillitis and Darren Clarke among many deciding not to play after all their exertions trying to make the European team, Miguel Angel Jimenez is the only member of the side in action.
The 44-year-Spaniard should be the freshest player in the field. Certain of his place from the time he won the BMW PGA title at Wentworth in May, Jimenez has had the last three weeks off.
Joining McIlroy in the field are compatriots Gary Murphy, Peter Lawrie and David Higgins.
European Masters
Course: Crans-sur-Sierre.
Length: 6,857 yards. Par: 71.
Prizemoney: €2 million, €333,330 for the winner
Field: Poor.
Defending champion: Brett Rumford.
First played: 1923.
Most wins: Five men have won three times, the first Alex Ross (1923, '25 and '26), the last Seve Ballesteros (1977, '78 and '89).
On TV: Sky Sports 1, 10.30-12.30, 15.30-17.30.
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 210C, winds light, 90 per cent chance of showers
