RORY MCILROY

Some are quickly making the young golfer from Northern Ireland into Tiger Woods' heir as king of the links. Rory McIlroy has a long way to go before he reaches that height, but his dossier up to this point is impressive. Here are the facts on McIlroy, the record-breaking 22-year-old golfer who has riveted the sports world's attention onto the U.S. Open this weekend.

The Northern Ireland star shines after three rounds.

The young golfer has the sports world mesmerized after his record-setting round yesterday at the U.S. Open in Bethesda, Md. Here are 13 facts about the right-handed player from Northern Ireland.

Rory McIlroy went to 13 under par--a U.S. Open record--then immediately double-bogeyed on the 18th hole. He's well positioned for tomorrow's round, but did his giant step back on the 18th suggest he may tighten up again when the pressure's on?

The U.S. Open begins on Thursday.

The 111th U.S. Open begins Thursday at Congressional Country Club in Maryland.

Woods pulled out of the Players Championship but his eye is on winning a major.

An earlier injury sidelines Woods at TPC at Sawgrass

The golf star will take part in the Players Championship

Tiger Woods is one ranking below Rory McIlroy

Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy will look down on Tiger Woods after the latest world rankings placed him in a career-best sixth place above seventh-placed Woods.

As of April 10th, here's how the world's best golfers rank.

Masters 2011 champion Charl Schwartzel has dedicated his dramatic and unprecedented win to his father at Augusta.

Woods shoots a 67 in the fourth round.

Woods shot a 66 in the second round.

Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy has promised himself not to fall apart after a horrendous Masters experience when he threw away a four-shot lead in the final round.

These are the times the players start.

McIlroy had the lead at Augusta.

The Northern Ireland golf star has a four-stroke lead going into the final round.

The Northern Ireland golf pro is off to a good start at Augusta.

The young golf pro has the makings of a legend