Too soon to compare me with Woods - McIlroy

By Patrick Johnston

TURNBERRY, Scotland (Reuters) - Straight driving, avoiding the punishing rough and ignoring comparisons with Tiger Woods will be Rory McIlroy's strategy next week when he bids to end a 10-year wait for a native winner of the British Open.

Since announcing himself on the world stage by winning the silver medal as the lowest scoring amateur in the 2007 edition the Northern Irishman has been touted as a future major winner, world number one and the next Tiger Woods by his peers.

The 20-year-old, who became the youngest man to break into the top 50 of the world rankings in November, is not fazed by the accolades as he looks to become the first Briton since Paul Lawrie in 1999 to claim the coveted Claret Jug.

"Several players have said some very kind things about my game and it's very flattering but I know I have a long way to go to achieve what I want to in golf," McIlroy told Reuters.

"It's a bit soon to be comparing me with anybody. I just want to be the best I can be."

When he claimed his first win as a professional in February at the Dubai Desert Classic, world number 20 McIlroy proved his ability to handle pressure over the closing holes.

"It was definitely a relief to get my first win out of the way but it only served to make me hungrier for more," he said.

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