Rory McIlroy Gets Serious in the U.S. With PGA Tour Plans

Rory McIlroy said at a news conference for the Bridgestone Invitational that he was "leaning towards" rejoining the PGA tour next year. He also said he had met with the two PGA Tour officials on Wednesday.

The 22 year-old golf player revealed that he is looking to move to the States. He describes his past year as "life changing" and has considered the pros of moving to the U.S. "I'm leaning towards taking my card here again - I'm comfortable in this country and I feel like my game suits the courses," said McIlroy. "I seem to play my best golf here so it's something I'm looking at seriously."

Many are said to be excited if McIlroy does indeed join the tour again. "If it works out that he's rejoining the PGA Tour, obviously we're ecstatic about that," Andy Pazder, the tour's executive vice president, said. "An immense talent and a personable young man, he'd be an asset for us, no question."

Originally from Northern Ireland, McIlroy rose to fame with his 8-shot success at the U.S. Open at Congressional County Club. His game playing has been limited since that time in 2010 when he gave up the PGA Tour card because of a 15-event requirement and the timing of the FedExCup playoffs.

"Most of my favorite events seem to be on this side of the pond," the golf player stated. And his most successful games have also been in the States. McIlroy shot a course-record in the 2010 Quail Hollow Championship in North Carolina, with 10-under 62 in the final round. He beat Phil Mickelson by 4 shots. He has also met much success at the 2010 PGA Championship, the 2009 PGA, and the 2009 U.S. Open.

"I'd like to give it a go again and, obviously, last more than one year and really see how it goes," McIlroy said. The young athlete is looking for housing in Florida around Jupiter, West Palm Beach, and Lake Nona.