At the Masters this year, Rory McIlroy finished twentieth in what was his first major championship as a professional. At the US Open that ended at Bethpage Black, New York, on Monday, he came in tenth.

So if you believe in trends, he is the man to put your money on when the Open Championship gets under way at Turnberry three weeks today. Such a statement should seem far-fetched. But such is the impact the 20-year-old Northern Irishman has had since he joined the paid ranks a little under two years ago that anything — if you ignore a player by the name of Tiger Woods — seems possible. He really is that good.

Speaking on the eve of the BMW International Open that begins here today, McIlroy reflected on his performance in New York and on his belief that he has a chance of winning any tournament he enters. “I feel I should be a contender [in majors],” the world No 16 said. “I know that if I play well, I have the game to be up there.

“The US Open was my first top ten at a major and it gives me a lot of confidence to know that I came through the field on the last day from 33rd to tenth.”

McIlroy played a practice round at Turnberry this year and plans to do so again before battle commences for golf’s oldest and most coveted trophy. But unlike Padraig Harrington, who is encouraged when the wind howls and the rain belts down because he feels half the field gives up mentally, McIlroy will be hoping for benign weather.

The youngster’s problem could stem his high ball flight, which could suffer in the wind. As an amateur, however, he played plenty of links courses and still does when he is at home, near Belfast. In that respect, he should not suffer at the Open quite like Phil Mickelson, the world No 2, who also hits the ball high and has managed only three top-20 finishes in 16 appearances.

“Most links courses need a bit of wind for their protection,” McIlroy said. “I feel if it’s calm, I can shoot a really good score. I know that means other players can do it, too, but I would rather have it that way.”

The funeral of Mel Webb, a former golf writer for The Times, will be held at Poole Crematorium next Thursday (noon).