The prediction Rory McIlroy made about Jason Day back in 2011 which came true four years later

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Jason Day and Rory McIlroy were once pitted as potential rivals, but such a rivalry hasn’t quite played out.

McIlroy is a five-time major champion, with his very first success arriving at the 2011 US Open at Congressional Country Club.

The man finishing closest to him was indeed Day, although the Australian ended up a huge eight shots behind the Northern Irishman.

McIlroy has since gone on to complete the career Grand Slam, achieving the feat earlier this year by winning The Masters.

But it all started for McIlroy at Congressional, where Day also provided a glimpse of what was to come from him.

Rory McIlroy’s prediction about Jason Day in 2011 which came true four years later

After his success, the champion was tasked with discussing a ‘potential rivalry’ between himself and Day, who had just finished T2 at The Masters.

McIlroy said of the potential rivalry with the Australian: “Yeah, definitely, Jason has played fantastically the last three Majors.

“He had a chance at Whistling Straits. Finished second at Augusta. Finished second again here this week. I said to him on the 18th green during the prize ceremony that he’s very close.

“I first played with Jason when I was 16 years old down in Melbourne at the Australian Masters at a practice round.

“He was very impressive back then. You know, it seems like he’s been around, especially if you’re from Australia, you’ve probably been hearing about Jason Day for a long time.

“He’s only a year older than me. So he’s got a lot of time on his hands. And to be doing what he’s doing so early is fantastic.

“I’m sure he’ll put himself in positions to win major championships. I’m sure one day that he’ll break through, as well.”

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The hope Rory McIlroy had for Tiger Woods after he won the US Open in 2011

While Day hasn’t quite managed to hit the heights that McIlroy has, he did indeed prove his fellow professional right just four years later.

A superb maiden major championship win was secured at the 2015 PGA Championship, where Day edged out Jordan Spieth by three shots.

It does, however, represent his only major championship success, although he does boast 13 PGA Tour wins overall.

McIlroy, in contrast, is a 29-time PGA Tour winner, but Day did manage to emulate him by reaching number one in the world rankings.

The Northern Irishman also discussed another former world number one after his 2011 US Open success, having been asked if he looked forward to testing himself against a 100% fit Tiger Woods.

McIlroy replied: “Yeah, I mean, it would be great to… I’ve watched Tiger over the last 15 years. It would be great.

“When I was growing up, I always had putts to win Tiger Woods in the Masters or US Open. So it would be great to be able to get in contention one day, whether it be a major or just a regular event and go down the stretch with him because I’ve never really had that experience before.

“As I said, hopefully he can get healthy and can get back playing good golf, because the game of golf is a better place with him playing well.”

The pair have certainly enjoyed many memorable moments together in the years that have followed, although Woods is now unfortunately out of action once again.

Woods underwent a seventh back surgery last month, and it remains to be seen when he will make a return to the course.