US golfers feel ‘Tiger effect’

SOUTHAMPTON, New York — Rory McIlroy said the United States can thank the influence of Tiger Woods for the current dominance of American golfers, which he’ll be trying to disrupt at the US Open.

The four-time major-winner from Northern Ireland looked slightly taken aback on Wednesday when he was reminded that Americans have won the last four major championships, and currently hold the trophies from the professional and amateur team competitions the Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, Walker Cup and Curtis Cup.

“That’s a lot of pressure,” McIlroy said, drawing a laugh as he addressed the press at Shinnecock Hills on the eve of the 118th US Open.

“They’ve had a great run,” he said of the Americans, but added: “Look, these things go in cycles. European golf was very healthy a few years ago for a long time. It seemed every major someone from the island of Ireland turned up to we were winning it. It doesn’t seem that long ago.”

With the Ryder Cup looming in September at Le Golf National southwest of Paris, European and US golfers are already sizing each other up.

McIlroy said the current crop of US stars — including world number one Dustin Johnson, second-ranked Justin Thomas, reigning British Open champion Jordan Spieth, defending US Open champion Brooks Koepka and recently crowned Masters champ Patrick Reed — have been inspired by 14-time major champion Woods.

The 42-year-old superstar has now become a mentor to younger players. Even as he was sidelined by back trouble last year Woods served as an assistant captain on the US Presidents Cup team that demolished the International team in New Jersey.