It's hard to put anyone in the same class as Tiger Woods.

In the modern era, Woods has cemented himself as a golf legend, having won 14 Major Championships, and if he regains his form, might win more than that.

But new golf pros emerge every year, and one that has caught the sport by storm is Rory McIlroy.

The 21-year-old is currently off to an auspicious start at the Masters. He finished the first round by shooting a seven-under-par 65, and is atop the leaderboard.

I truly believe this is the next superstar that we have in golf, said former U.S. Open champion Andy North. If he's not the number one in the world in a couple of years, I would be shocked.

The Northern Irishman is currently ranked ninth in the world. McIlroy has already had great showings in the past two years in Major Championships, placing in a tie for third three times. His worst showing was tying for 20th at the 2010 Masters.

This is certainly a talent to be reckon with. He already has one of the finest swings in golf.

From a personality standpoint, McIlroy has been consisently gracious and honest. Those are two qualities that will serve him well with his upcoming fame.

McIlroy's short game may need some work, though. He recently insisted that a short game isn't needed to win tournaments, a lesson he learned over lunch with the most successful golf champion in the sports' history, Jack Nicklaus.

One golf pro described McIlroy this way: He has all the components to be the best player in the world.

Curious to know which golfer said that?

Tiger Woods.

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