5. Rory McIlroy, 18, Northern Ireland
The Stats: McIlroy has won virtually every important junior and amateur title in Ireland and Europe, capped by the 2006 European Amateur. He has a knack for going very low, as he showed with an 11-under 61 at Royal Portrush in 2005. His breakout performance came at this summer's British Open, where he was tied for third after a first-round 68 and finished 42nd. In his second European Tour start as a pro, he virtually secured affiliate European Tour membership by finishing third and winning $300,000 at the prestigious Alfred Dunhill Links at St. Andrews. He also tied for fourth at last week's Madrid Open.
The Skinny: Don't be surprised if McIlroy makes the 2008 European Ryder Cup team and plays a key role for the Euros.