Rory took the Aussie Open from under Adam Scott's nose – next he'll rip the Green Jacket off his back

NOWHERE is 'The Sound of Silence' more imposing than in a jam-packed sports arena. We Irish heard it at Lansdowne Road last Sunday week when All Black kicker Aaron Cruden delivered the coup de grace to our rugby dreams.

So we know precisely how Australiafelt when Rory McIlroy rolled in a 12-foot birdie putt at the death in Royal Sydney on Sunday to deny their new golfing icon, Adam Scott, a rare Aussie 'triple crown'.

The hush which descends for a putt in golf or a rugby conversion can be oppressive, but when thousands are then struck dumb by the desolation of sudden defeat, it lends new meaning to the term 'deafening silence'.

As the muted crowds melted away from that final green at the Australian Open, the mood in the TV commentary booth was almost funereal. They had come to praise Scott, but McIlroy buried him.

Along with a lot of Aussie hearts, McIlroy shattered his own 12-month drought at Royal Sydney, so it won't be surprising in the least if he eclipses tournament host Tiger Woods and defending champion Graeme McDowell in this week's Northwestern Mutual Challenge at Sherwood Country Club.

Having said goodbye to darkness, which hung around like an old friend all year, McIlroy has carte blanche to become a real world-beater once again.

With apologies to Scott, who has achieved near-Greg Norman status in his homeland since breaking Australia's jinx at this year's US Masters, McIlroy is perfectly equipped to take that Green Jacket off his back at Augusta next April.

AUSSIE PROS RATE RORY AS TIGER'S HOTTEST RIVAL

EVEN before he won in Sydney, seasoned golf observers still viewed Rory McIlroy as the outstanding threat by far to Tiger's status as world No 1.

McIlroy has been striping his golf ball for the past couple of months, so it was only a matter of time and a few favourable results before the 24-year-old's confidence, badly drained during a dismal season, would be fully replenished.

It was interesting to listen to a radio blog recorded Down Under last week in which Mike Clayton, a noted Aussie pro turned pundit, course designer and coach, spoke of walking 12 holes with McIlroy in practice.

Clayton (56) was carrying the bag of Australian prodigy Ryan Ruffels (15), who got the chance to play with Ulster's world No 6 through Nike.

Yet the older man was blown away by the quality of McIlroy's golf.

"I hadn't seen Rory play for a long time; I mean the fact that he hasn't won a tournament this year is pretty amazing," Clayton enthused.

"If the evidence of the 12 holes of ball-striking I saw is the measure of how he's playing, he's just a beautiful player. He's long and he hits beautiful iron shots. He hit some great short shots too.

"He hit it over the back of the sixth and Ryan said, 'you don't want to hit it in there'. But Rory landed his ball in the fringe, it ran down, hit the hole and jumped out. The seventh hole is a former long par-five, probably the best par-five (at Royal Sydney) and he just murdered it with a 360-yard drive and a five-iron.

"I met Geoff Ogilvy later and I said, 'wow, I just saw McIlroy play'. I know Geoff can exaggerate a little at times but he said, 'yeah, (Rory is) way better than Scottie'.

"Everyone knows Adam plays great golf, but Geoff is just huge on McIlroy and he said this kid's amazing.

"So (Rory has) had a lousy year and, in a sense, has fumbled through the issues with the management company, Oakley sunglasses and changing his clubs, but I can't imagine him not having a great year next year."

FEW GREEN SHOOTS

FOR SCOTT OF THE ANTARCTIC PUTTER

ADAM SCOTT may be a match for McIlroy off tee and fairway, but his short game and his putting aren't in the same league.

Always blessed with a deft touch around the green, McIlroy has become a more confident and consistent putter since 2011, when he started working with US guru Dave Stockton, a two-time US PGA champion and winning 1991 Ryder Cup captain.

World No 3 Scott blew his one-stroke lead with bogey five at 18 on Sunday after hitting "the wrong club" through the back of the green into a tricky lie.

He chipped poorly to two-putt country and McIlroy holed out for birdie to wrap up a sweet closing 66 and one of the most telling of his 11 career wins.

However, Scott's four-stroke overnight lead had dwindled on the greens at Royal Sydney as he took 35 putts in the final round, against 24 during Thursday's course-record 62.

Though he had brilliantly set up and then closed out his sudden-death victory over Angel Cabrera at April's Masters, Scott's occasional tendency to finish poorly was exposed for all to see last Sunday.

It's sobering to think any issues Scott (33) has now will not be helped when the 'anchored' broom-handle putter, which has helped make him a force at the Majors since 2011, is outlawed in January 2016.

'MESSI' MCILROY GOOD ENOUGH TO RUN RINGS AROUND HIS RIVALS

FIVE victories in 18 tournaments this year make Tiger Woods a cast-iron favourite to break his five-year hex at the Majors in 2014.

Given his penchant for winning on familiar courses, a fit Woods should relish his return to Hoylake, where he lifted the Claret Jug in 2006, and then Valhalla for the US PGA, where he famously beat Bob May in a play-off for the Wanamaker Trophy in 2000.

Were it not for a quiet week with his putter, Tiger would have put a lot more pressure on winner Michael Campbell at the 2005 US Open at Pinehurst, which next June welcomes that championship back to North Carolina.

Woods really will fancy his chances at Augusta. Indeed, had he not hit the flag with his superb approach to 15 on Friday at April's Masters, Woods might already have that elusive 15th Major in the closet.

Yet if Tiger is the ultimate predator, McIlroy ranks among the most naturally gifted golfer of his or any generation. He's blessed with enough charisma to rival legends like Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, Arnie Palmer, Phil Mickelson or even Seve Ballesteros.

Watching him grow from boyhood in Ireland can render us immune to McIlroy's talent. We're too close to perceive what others do – that this guy is the George Best or Lionel Messi of golf.

HOLYWOOD HARD CASE WON'T BE FAZED BY FOUR COURTS SHOWDOWN

THOUGH clearly affected by off-course issues this season, one suspects McIlroy's form in 2014 will not be undermined by his ongoing legal battle with Horizon or the prospect of an October trial date at the Four Courts.

Already, Oakley have "amicably" settled their lawsuit with the Holywood native, while McIlroy, his coach Michael Bannon and Nike technicians have long resolved the confidence-sapping quandary of adjusting to new clubs while, at the same time, trying to identify glitches in the swing.

Though he's headstrong, appears controlling and definitely needs to be more accepting on the course, McIlroy is as tough, wily and sharp as any 24-year-old I've met. Indeed, recent efforts to portray him as "naive" or "soft" are laughable.

His delight to have Rory McIlroy Inc up and running since the autumn and to be master of his own destiny was clear on Sunday when he said: "Since the end of September I have just felt in a better place mentally with some things off the course.

"I've definitely felt better with how my swing was. I just feel everything is coming together the way I wanted it to."

Now McIlroy has gotten out of his own way, only Tiger bars his path to the top of the world.

Tiger Woods denies Jason Dufner's plea to alter World Challenge so he can watch Auburn-Missouri

One of Auburn's most famous alums and biggest superfans attempts to change the schedule of an officially sanctioned PGA Tour event. The host was unsympathetic.

For all intents and purposes, the 2013 golf year is over. But 18 of the best and most recognizable players in the world will drop in on the Los Angeles area this week for the World Challenge event, an annual silly season party hosted and put on by Tiger Woods. With all the big names in attendance, and the star power of the host, it's generally more competitive than your regular silly season item.

But that didn't stop Jason Dufner, noted Auburn superfan, from asking Mr. Woods to shorten the event to just 36 holes so he could watch his Tigers play Missouri on Saturday in the SEC Championship Game. Tiger, who's not the most interactive tweeter, responded promptly:

GREEN AND DAVIES TO RETURN TO THE VIC OPEN

Two of the main drawcards from the Victorian Open’s inaugural staging at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links will return once again for the 2014 tournament to be played 20-23 February.

Former world number one Laura Davies will tee it up in the ALPG Tour women’s field whilst Richard Green from the PGA Tour of Australasia and European Tour will also return to the Bellarine Peninsula.

For Richard Green, a solid week at the Emirates Australian Open that included a second round six-under 66 and hole-in-one has boosted the 42 year old’s confidence.

A regular competitor on the European Tour, Green has carved out a successful career with six Professional victories including the 2004 Australian Masters and 2004 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit.

Green finished in a tie for 14th at 8-under the card earlier this year at the Vic Open with rounds of 69, 74, 73 and a course record 8-under 64 in the final round.

The Melbourne born player said consistency is a key for his endeavours to be in contention late Sunday afternoon at the PGA Tour of Australasia’s upcoming Oates Vic Open.

“It’s nice to be back in back in contention again and playing some good golf and hitting some nice shots. I haven’t really hit the ball like this for a long time now,” said Green.

“I’ve had an occasional good glimpse like when I had the 64 in the last round of the Vic Open earlier this year but being able to piece it all together and play consistent golf under pressure in difficult conditions is a nice feeling.”

Having competed on the European Tour since 1996, Green enjoys returning home to compete on the PGA Tour of Australasia and particularly the Oates Vic Open.

“I’ve said this before; it was the most fun we had on tour all year and to be at home and down that part of the world,” added Green.

“Barwon Heads is a great destination and a very relaxing environment. The golf course is a lot of fun to play, there were so many people out there watching and it had a really good atmosphere.”

Green, a self-confessed speed demon also weighed in on his experience of going up in a War Bird fighter jet for the Life is Greener TV Show that on Saturday night took at the Australian Golf Writers Association Award for Best Golf TV Show.

“It was something I’ve never done before and I’m a bit of speed freak as you know but I didn’t expect it to feel the way it did,” added Green.

“To sit in there and experience the G-force upside down and flying around was a lot of fun. It was more physical than I expected too, bit like an old race car.”

Laura Davies, one of the world’s biggest names in the sport finished this year’s Vic Open in a tie for 7th at 13-under including a sensational opening round seven-under 67. With 85 worldwide career victories including four major titles to her name, the galleries flocked to get a glimpse of the iconic British player.

Speaking from England, Davies talked about her first experience playing Thirteenth Beach and with the men in the unique format that is the Oates Vic Open.

“I love the format, it's always nice to play alongside the men and last year we held our own as far as the galleries went. I loved both courses at Thirteenth, they were a good mix of wide open long hitting and then the tighter precision holes. It was in great shape.

Davies, who has won at least one individual event in her 29 year career except for 2005 and 2011 has her sights set on challenging the defending champion and local girl from Cressy, Stacey Keating who like Davies was embraced by thousands of spectators that followed both golfers all week.

“For sure, I want to try and win at least one of the Aussie events and it's always nice to try and take out the local favourite.

“Crowds were great and as I said it was a nice surprise that they were as interested in us as the men's event,” said Davies.

The recently turned 50 year old added, “I absolutely love the area at Barwon Heads. We are staying in the same house right on the beach. I can't wait, it's only 21 meters from the pub and TAB, and about 67 meters from the beach.”

More player announcements and news about the 2014 Oates Vic Open still to come with stellar fields expected for both the men’s and women’s championships.

ACCOLADES KEEP COMING FOR SCOTT

Adam Scott’s breakthrough major success at the US Masters in April has secured the Queenslander yet another accolade, this time in his home state.

Scott last night took out the Courier-Mail Channel 7 Queensland Sport Star of the Year Award for 2013 at the 19th Annual Queensland Sport Awards / Hall of Fame Presentation in Brisbane.

A 700 strong black tie audience at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre heard the announcement of the popular Scott’s win at the end of a night which saw golf and cricket take out six of the 13 Awards presented for Queensland’s top on and off field sporting performances.

Golf also provided the Coca Cola Channel 7 Queensland Junior Sport Star Award winner in young Viraat Badhwar who at 17 was part of Queensland teams that won both the national men’s senior and junior championships.

Volunteer Alan Davies’ win in the Brisbane City Council sponsored Queensland Sport Volunteer of the Year category gave golf a treble on the night, a result matched in number by cricket which produced winners in former Queensland Bulls / Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann (Queensland Government Queensland Sport Coach of the Year), the BBL title winning Brisbane Heat (the Bank of Queensland sponsored Queensland Sport Team of the Year), and the late Graham Dixon, the former Queensland Cricket CEO who passed away mid-year and was the recipient posthumously of a QSport Service to Sport Award.

The Queensland Sport Awards are conducted each year by QSport as the industry peak body of sport in Queensland which also coordinates the Queensland Sport Hall of Fame.

The award is one of many this year for Scott who in October was unanimously voted by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF) selection committee as the 2013 winner of The Don award, which celebrates the athlete whose achievements have most inspired the nation in the preceding 12 months.

O'Keefe tabbed Georgia Regents golf coach

Years ago, Jack O’Keefe played alongside Vaughn Taylor on the Hooters Tour and even wished his old friend luck during a 2007 Masters Tournament practice round.

Now, O’Keefe is working at Taylor’s former stomping grounds.

At a Monday morning news conference, the former Mississippi assistant coach was announced as the new Georgia Regents men’s golf coach. O’Keefe, 44, replaces Kevin McPherson, who departed in September to become the Coastal Carolina men’s coach.

O’Keefe started his new job immediately after the news conference, stating recruiting will be a top priority – he said he only plans to bring in a few players the next couple of years instead of making a mass overhaul. Also, he said he wants to assess the Jaguars this week and give his players a game plan for individual work.

“I’m going to hit the ground running,” he said. “I’m already working on the schedule for next fall. Recruiting is now my next little battle.”

O’Keefe began his professional golf career in 1993, winning the Hooters Tour money list two years later and playing one year on the PGA Tour in 1997.

O’Keefe retired from the Hooters Tour at the end of the 2002 season and became the head golf pro at Hot Springs Country Club in Arkansas. In 2006, he began working as an assistant golf coach at the University of Central Arkansas. Four years later, he moved to Ole Miss, where he assisted head coach Ernest Ross in recruiting, short game fundamentals, swing analysis, player development and other aspects of the program.

Now, O’Keefe takes over a program that won consecutive NCAA Division I national championships in 2010 and 2011. The Jaguars have failed to win a golf tournament or make the national championships in two seasons since then.

Currently, Georgia Regents is ranked No. 67 in the nation, according to Golfweek. Also, the Jaguars are 21 wins below .500 – the qualifying mark for making postseason play.

“We’ve got some work to do on the golf end,” O’Keefe said. “Our ranking is down a little bit and our .500 record we have to make some improvement. We’re going to have to work hard, we’re going to have to work fast and we’re going to have to work smart.”

KELLY OFF TO A FLYER AT LONSDALE

Victorian Andrew Kelly has continued his great run of form to win this year’s $10,000 Lonsdale Pro-Am.

Kelly carded a scintillating six under-par 30 on his front nine before returning home in even-par on the back nine, his six under 65 was good enough to win by two shots.

In a stunning run of form Kelly has won four events since the Victorian season resumed in September.

“I’ve really enjoyed my day, I thought I may have wrecked my chances after being seven under after 10 holes, but it all worked out”, Kelly said at presentations.

The Lonsdale layout was in sensational condition, a change of date to earlier in the season really made the difference, the fairways and greens were both of a world class standard.

It was a picture perfect day on the Bellerine Peninsula, temperatures in the early 30’s with very light winds made scoring conditions ideal.

Following the morning round Kelly held a four shot lead over Victorian Kris Mueck after he fired a respectable two under 69.

The afternoon players got some relief from the heat with the sea breeze blowing in after nine holes, however, it also made birdies a lot harder to come by.

Leighton Lyle fired a great round of four under-par 67 in the tougher afternoon conditions to finish alone in second place.

There was a log jam in third place with David McKenzie, Andrew Tampion, Ryan Lynch and Andrew Gott all tied on three under 68.

The next stop on the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series is the $20,000 Eastwood Pro-Am on Wednesday 4th December.

Relieved McIlroy in ‘better place’ after breaking 2013 duck

Rory McIlroy heads to his final event of the year at the Tiger Woods-hosted World Challenge this week saying he is in a “better place” mentally after winning his first tournament of 2013.

The Co Down man overhauled crowd favourite and reigning US Masters champion Adam Scott with a final round 66 to win the Australian Open on Sunday by a shot with an 18-under-par tally. 

It was his first victory for more than 12 months and came at the expense of the popular Australian, who misjudged the wind and could only manage a bogey on the last hole at Royal Sydney. 

“I’ve just felt in a better place, a better place mentally with some things off the course,” McIlroy said. 

Despite early season woes after his much-publicised switch of clubs from Titleist to Nike, McIlroy has slowly begun rekindling the form that earned him two major victories, finishing sixth and fifth in his final two European Tour events. 

“It’s been a frustrating year because you know the level of golf that you can play and you’re just not able to play to that level,” he said. 

“When you’re working hard and you’re trying to find the reasons why, and you think you’ve found it and then you haven’t, so then you try something else, that’s frustrating but I never lost belief, I never lost any of that. 

“Golf’s a long career and I’m 24 years old,” added McIlroy, who this year split from his management company and recently settled a dispute with sportswear manufacturer Oakley. 

“I get a little impatient at times and if I actually just took a step back and looked at the bigger picture, it hasn’t been too bad a year. It’s obviously been made a lot better with the win. You know you have to go through the lows and I’m not saying it was a low this year. It’s not like I plummeted off the face of the earth. I’m still sixth in the world so it’s not too bad. It’s not the level that I feel like I can play to, but I feel I’m getting back there, so it’s very pleasing.” 

Wayne Rooney and Rory McIlroy go head to head

SPORT superstars Wayne Rooney and Rory McIlroy go head-to-head on the golf course in a hilarious new Nike ad.

England ace Rooney, 28, takes on the golfing champ by kicking a football round the course and then tees him off by doing keepy-ups while Rory is trying to take his shots.

But then the Northern Irishman, 24, gets his own back by doing his own keepy-ups with his club and then snatching Roo's football and cheekily putting it in his golf bag!But it was all for the cameras. In real life the pair, two of Nike’s best-paid stars, are best pals.

European, Asian Team Captains Say EurAsia Event Could Rival Ryder Cup

Rival captains Miguel Angel Jimenez and Thongchai Jaidee "have predicted big things for the new Ryder Cup-style EurAsia Cup" to be held near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia next year, according to Stefanie McIntyre of REUTERS. Europe and Asia "will clash over three days at the Glenmarie Golf and Co...