American Ryder Cup veteran Jim Furyk has labelled Rory McIlroy as 'a marked man' ahead of the 39th match at Chicago's Medinah Country Club.
The 23-year-old Ulsterman is the form player in world golf, and has the chance to make himself $10m richer this week at the Tour Championship.
"He won the PGA by a ton of shots, won his last two events and no matter how he plays here he's right now the present day Tiger Woods where everyone's eyes are on him," Furyk said.
"Tiger is still Tiger - everyone would love to see that pairing in the Ryder Cup - but obviously McIlroy is a marked man.
"He is the number one player in the world. He's going to garner all the attention, as well he should. He's played phenomenal this year."
McIlroy made his debut in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor, where he secured two points from a possible four.
Furyk, on the other hand, made his seventh appearance in Wales, but had to rely on a wildcard pick from American captain Davis Love III this time around.
"The Ryder Cup is a different animal," added Furyk.
"We'll have some team dinners, the big gala - you're more on someone else's schedule that week rather than your own.
"But I've been involved in a lot of them. I know what is expected of me.
"I know how to manage my time and how to pace myself. I made all of the rookie mistakes the first couple and was kind of worn out by Friday.
"I'll make sure that's not going to be the case for me and try to help some of the young guys along as well," he added.
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