US Open champion Rory McIlroy has taken a leaf out of Tiger Woods' book by limiting his playing schedule this year in a bid to prolong his career.

The popular 22-year-old Northern Irishman, the world No 2 and well established as one of the most exciting players in the game, plans to compete in about 23 events in 2012, seven fewer than last season.

"I don't want to be burned out by the time I'm 30," McIlroy said on Wednesday ahead of Thursday's opening round of the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina.