McIlroy set to make 2008 a special golfing year?

Rory McIlroy has taken the world of golf by storm ever since turning professional this year and now Paddy Power have opened a series of markets based on what the 18-year-old Northern Irishman can achieve in the next stages of his career. McIlroy had a fine pedigree as an amateur, winning the 2006 European Amateur Championship at Biella Golf Club in Italy and becoming the world's No 1 ranked amateur in 2007. He gained a following in 2005 when he set a course record 61 at Portrush as a 16-year-old and then came to the attentions of the wider golfing public when he fired a first round 68 at the 2007 Open Championship at Carnoustie - the only bogey-free round of the day. He has already seen success since turning pro and while many felt that like Justin Rose it would take the Northern Irishman time to acclimatise to the professional ranks, he quickly disporved that concern. He made the cut at his first pro event - the British Masters - before going on to finish third at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship to guarantee his place on the Europen Tour next season after just two pro events. Now Paddy Power have priced up several special markets on the player who was always destined to become a professional golfer when he hit a 40-yard tee shot at the age of two. Despite next season being his first full season on the main European Tour, the Irish bookmaker rate McIlry a 7/4 shot to win a European Tour sanctioned event. They also go 2/1 that he will qualify for Nick Faldo's European team to take on the USA at Valhalla in 2008's Ryder Cup. While that may be too much to ask of the Manchester United-loving player, he is just 8/11 to make the European team for the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor. Paddy Power Rory McIlroy specialsTo win a European Tour event in 2008 7/4 To make Ryder Cup team, Valhalla 2008 2/1; to be top points scorer 33/1 To make Ryder Cup team, Celtic Manor 2010 8/11; to be top points scorer 16/1 (Editor's Note: It took Justin Rose 21 events to make his first professional cut which shows how good Rory McIlroy is. Back him at 7/4 to win his first European Tour event next season with Paddy Power)