It was Rory's year to roar

With two majors among his four victories, McIlroy solidifies standing as golf's dominant player

A year to forget for an injury-plagued Tiger Woods was savored by Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy after the 'Celtic Tiger' won two majors in 2014 to regain his status as the game's leading player.

McIlroy ended a stellar campaign with four victories and five runner-up spots in 23 starts worldwide, embellishing his credentials as a genuine golfing great in what many regard as a handover of Tiger's torch to usher in a new Rory era.