Rory McIlroy's first mission in first U.S. tournament: Be himself, beat the field

Ray Slover

Rory McIlroy's first mission in first U.S. tournament: Be himself, beat the field image

By the time Rory McIlroy hits the course in Florida for Thursday's first round of The Honda Classic, he'll have had plenty of time to digest the news.

Assuming, of course, he really wants to read stories about Rory McIlroy.

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As the world's No. 1-ranked golfer (for those who follow such things), McIlroy steps onto an American course for the first time in 2015, the center of media attention and burgeoning hyperbole.

While, we are told in headlines, McIlroy welcomes the attention of being the game's best player, he also must remain focused on his craft.

While, we are told in headlines, McIlroy holds a monstrous lead in golf rankings, he also must focus on the task at hand, in this case winning at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

While, we are told in headlines, this week is McIlroy's first step toward a possible career grand slam, he must not think about the Masters.

Confident? Of course he is. What 25-year-old isn't? Not afraid of the infamous "Bear Trap" section of PGA National? Why should he be; McIlroy has the game to play any course.

So when McIlroy puts club to ball on his first tee shot, expected about 12:45 p.m. ET, he will start treading the path others before have followed. We cannot yet compare him to Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods. We can't compare him to Gary Player or Seve Ballesteros.

We can only compare him to the field he challenges. That's a far more far comparison than to compare Rory McIlroy to expectations.

Here's the secret to McIlroy's newfound confidence. According to The New York Times, McIlroy is following the lead of Phil Mickelson and focusing on his play before worrying about the crush of media attention and demands. Experience, he says, is a great teacher.

"I'm in a great position, and I feel like I handle the position I'm in a lot better than I did a couple of years ago," McIlroy said.

Ray Slover