Victory was only a matter of time for Rory McIlroy, says Darren Clarke

As Rory McIlroy was putting the finishing touches to his maiden victory as a professional at the Dubai Desert Classic on Sunday, Darren Clarke, one of the players who has come to know the teenager better than most, displayed not the slightest surprise.
"I met him for the first time when he was 12 and knew within three minutes that he was something special," Clarke said. "He came to one of my Foundation days (in Northern Ireland) and I could see it as soon as he hit his first shot.
"You could tell straight away, even at that age. He's always had this prodigious talent and was hitting shots way beyond his peers. He was far ahead of the level you would expect him to be and was incredibly mature for his age. Still is."
McIlroy's first win would have been particularly pleasing for Clarke for the way he held his nerve when the pressure was at its most intense. He had led Justin Rose by six shots with six holes to play but came to the last leading the Englishman by just one stroke. But he got down in two shots from a bunker at the back a green that slopes towards water for a par that matched Rose - and the first of what is certain to be many titles was in the bag.

It was Clarke who had taken McIlroy aside and encouraged him after he had lost in a play-off for the European Masters in Switzerland last year, telling him not to get down on himself but to use the experience to become a stronger player. It was good advice.
"He's matured fantastically and I think that when he didn't win in Switzerland when he could have done, it was probably one of the best things that could have happened to him," Clarke said. "I spoke to him immediately afterwards and he was obviously disappointed. It hurt, but he has learnt from it.
"But the best thing about him," Clarke continued, "is his please and thank-yous. He's a very polite young man and will be a great champion, of that there is no doubt."
And what about Clarke partnering him perhaps in the Ryder Cup in 2010? Would he fancy that?
"If I'm anywhere near Rory two years from now, I'll be a very happy man," Clarke replied. It said it all. McIlroy's victory has ushered in the start of a new era. Exciting times lie ahead.
Source:the times