Rory Mcilroy will be a busy man next season after taking up membership on the US PGA Tour.

But it is a move that - if managed properly - could bring the Northern Irish sensation a step closer to Major glory, according to former European No.1 Justin Rose.

Youngster McIlroy sought advice from many of his peers and his management company before opting for the chance to take on Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Co, Stateside, in 2010.

It is a big step for a 20-year-old who can boast just one tournament win in his career so far, at this year’s Dubai Desert Classic.

But Rose could be a great example for the youngster to follow.

The Englishman burst on to the world golf scene in 1998 by finishing in a tie for fourth in the Open at Royal Birkdale.

He joined the US Tour back in 2003 and at one stage even turned his back on the European Tour altogether. After a rethink, Rose won four European Tour events, and also landed the Order of Merit title in 2007.

This season Rose has been juggling playing on both sides of the Atlantic. And warned McIlroy life as a global golfer is far from easy.

Rose, on four-over after three days of the Dubai World Championship, told 7DAYS: “Sure, it is difficult, there’s no doubt about it. If you are on a roll and everything is going great these things tend to be easier.

“But there’s no doubt juggling both tours is very difficult - it’s crucial that your consistency is there or you don’t make much of an impact anywhere.”

Glory at the Majors - and in America - has eluded the 29-year-old Rose so far. He has also fallen to 65th in the world rankings, from a career high of seven.

But he believes McIlroy could be a special case.

“He’s an accomplished player already,” said Rose. “The goal for him is to win Majors. There are more tournaments in America that have that ‘Major’ feel
to them so the more comfortable you can get in that arena, the better and easier Majors are going to be.”