McIlroy lauds Woods, says recent hattrick nothing compared to American in his prime

Northern Irish golf ace Rory McIlroy believes that his recent hattrick of golf titles is nothing compared to former world number one Tiger Woods in his prime.

The Open and US PGA champion said that he has got to know Woods a little bit over the last few years, adding that he feels this little run he is on makes him appreciate what the American has done in the past.

McIlroy, who would look to continue his winning streak in The Barclays in New Jersey this week, said that Woods has done way more than him, adding that it makes one appreciate how hard the former world number one worked and how dominant a figure he has been in golf, The Mirror reported.

Woods, who is out till December with a back injury, won seven consecutive events in 2006-07, including the Open and US PGA. The winner of 14 Majors missed the cut in Valhalla and was able to joke the late, late finale didn't look bright as he watched it on TV on his sofa.

McIlroy, who won his fourth Major in Kentucky, added that he never goes and seeks advice from Woods, but just observing the American and seeing how he has handled things, especially the success that he has had and being able to keep it going.

The Northern Irishman added that he finds the dominance that Woods has had and the work that he's put in really impressive because he has only had a little taste of it over the past few weeks and the American has done that so much throughout his career.

McIlroy also said that that is what he finds so impressive about Woods, and added that if he was to seek out any advice it would be how to keep that going.