Rory McIlroy’s string of five birdies in a row not only helped him to the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai but also capped off a fantastic 2012 for the World Number 1.

At just 23, McIlroy secured his second Major with a record-breaking eight stroke victory at the US PGA Championship in August to add to his 2011 US Open title.

His rival Tiger Woods was only 21 when he picked up his first Major at the Masters Tournament in 1997 and two years later he had picked up a second Major at the PGA Championship.

And that early success sparked astonishing form which saw the American win at least one Major per year between 2000 and 2008, with the exception of fallow years in 2003 and 2004.

Dominance

Similarly to Woods at the cusp of the Millennium, McIlroy has the world at his feet and if all goes to plan, the Northern Irish golfer has as good a chance as anyone of overhauling Tiger Woods’ 14 Major victories and even Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18.

Of course Woods may well have added to his 14 Majors had it not been for injuries and personal problems – and he may well have more Majors in him.

After claiming two majors within three years of turning pro, the former World Number 1 claimed three Majors in the year 2000, part of an unprecedented period of dominance.

Likewise 2013 will be an important year for McIlroy as he begins the trek towards his peak. If he can lay down a marker by getting his hands on one or more Major titles then he really will be chasing Tiger’s tail sooner rather than later. 

And he will get his first chance to add a third major at the Masters in Augusta next April.