Tiger Woods pulling out leaves US Open as a major possibility for Rory McIlroy

Tigers Woods is out of the US Open, leaving the world ranking vulnerable to a European takeover of the top 10.

It's a development that has some commentators suggesting the door is now wide open for Irish golf ace Rory McIlroy.

If McIlroy can show he's a contender in his second straight major, his fan base in the United States will explode.

There are many who already believe the talented Irish golfer is the future of the PGA and that he's just beginning to grow as a professional golfer.

If there's one thing we already know for certain, he's at his best when he feels he has something to prove. Watch this space.