DUBLIN (Ohio) — If I could have a nickel every time I heard, “Rory McIlroy’s game is tough to beat at its peak,” I would not be writing about Rory McIlroy. I would be sipping cocktails in the tropics while counting my millions.
McIlroy can be a beast if he is in top form. The sixth word of the sentence above is what’s causing the 34-year old to have a problem.
When.
As it relates to McIlroy’s nine-year drought of major championship wins: When?
Golf can be a frustrating and fickle game. Your 5-iron is like Excalibur on the first hole. It slices through the air and sends a Titleist just two feet away from the pin. The Titleist slices into the woods on the second hole using the same club.
The world’s best golfers are not only more consistent than those with high handicaps, they also have fewer periods of golf putrefaction. Like the rest of us, they have ups and lows. Expectations are the biggest difference. They pout while on a private jet, not while drinking a trombone beer at the back of the local muni. We expect a par over 18 holes. They hope to win a few majors in their career.
This brings us to McIlroy. It is a mystery why McIlroy, who has now adapted to life in southern Florida and won four majors, can’t win his fifth. His last major was the PGA Championship in 2014.
Rafael Nadal, who is known for his near-perfect swing and short game when it’s on, would be unable to win a major tennis trophy in almost a decade. This should never happen and it hasn’t happened in Nadal’s case.
McIlroy himself admits that no one else can understand it. He tries. The No. The world’s No. 3 golfer addressed his state of play, stating that three weeks ago his swing at the PGA Championship felt more uncomfortable than in a very long time. He still managed to tie for seventh place, which is a testament of his talent.
Rory McIlroy autographs the workday Golden Bear Pro-Am before the 2023 Memorial Tournament, which will be held at Muirlfield Village Golf Club. (Photo: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)
McIlroy’s swing “feels” are not the only reason he is falling short of his major goals. He was leading the 2022 British Open at St. Andrews going into the final round. He did not blow his chances by shooting a 2-under 70. However, Cam Smith, an Aussie, won the British Open with a 64.
McIlroy won 23 times on PGA Tour. This includes 14 victories since his last major win. He has also won the top prize in nine international tournaments. He was ranked No. Since 2007, when he turned pro, he has been ranked No. His resume is comparable to anyone on tour. This is why he’s as stunned by his inability win again on the largest stages. There are too many emotional scars from failing when it counts? Work-life balance is too focused on “life”. Too much of a “step-on-their throat” mentality, that killer instinct which made Tiger Woods successful?
McIlroy’s answer to the question of whether he was ruthless or not is illuminating.
“I find that being that ruthless in life is exhausting. “It’s not that I can’t be in that mode but I don’t feel that I need to do so to be successful on a golf course,” said he.
He again spoke out on the topic of feeling under pressure to win another Major to cement his legacy as a golfing great.
“Even if I never win another tournament in the rest of my life, I will still consider my career a success.” “I still see myself as a very successful person,” he said.
It does not make McIlroy a soft person, but it makes him human. And acting human in a sport that requires a single-minded focus on self is not conducive for winning majors.
McIlroy replied, “I have certainly experienced it.” “You have to go through the whole process of marriage, children and other interests that require time.
It’s not true that I am just a golfer. It’s important to manage your time well so you can keep improving your skills and show up for events …”
Attendance at events is important.
The rub. McIlroy doesn’t always show up to all four rounds. Could it be that McIlroy is having a problem with concentration? Jack Nicklaus, the host of the Memorial Tournament, hinted that it could be a concentration issue.
Nicklaus replied, “I’m not sure what to think of it because he is so confident.” “He is very dedicated to it. He is a great student of the sport. He is a good student of the game. I’m not sure if his concentration is always off for the entire (72-holes) event or if it is just a temporary thing. Sometimes he is double, 8, par, double, 8 He does it sometimes. As far as talent is concerned, he’s the best golfer there is. Why has he not won in the last nine years? It’s a mystery for many people because he is such a good player.”
The U.S. Open will be held in Los Angeles, from June 15-18. If not now, then when?
