It’s been a year of mixed emotions for Rory McIlroy. With two wins coming at the Zurich Classic (partnered with Shane Lowry) and the Wells Fargo, runner-up at the US Open and five other top 10 finishes on the PGA Tour, you wouldn’t exactly call it a disastrous season.
However, those who have been following the season will know there’s more to it than meets the eye. And, for those who haven’t been following, I’ll break it down for you.
Wherever McIlroy tees his ball, the spotlight follows. With a 10-year major drought hanging heavy over his shoulders, the pressure of performing in the four biggest events of the year is amplified, both by the internal want for success — and by the media.
For every year that passes by without a major, the pressure grows, as does the frustration. So when the former World No.1 found himself in a prime position to win his second US Open title, all eyes were upon him.
His main contender in the final round? Bryson DeChambeau. A man not so dissimilar to McIlroy in terms of media coverage, constantly carrying the question of “can he win another major?”
After overhauling a three-shot deficit from the third day, McIlroy held a two-shot lead with five holes to play. Now, usually, you’d cash your bets at this point. But the mental block that has affected McIlroy in the majors for some time now clearly took hold again.
The Northern Irishman made three bogeys in his final four holes — including two missed putts inside four feet — to lose by one.
Fast forward to the Amgen Irish Open. McIlroy put himself in a prime position once again, leading by four going into the final round.
After a three-putt on the 17th, the 35-year-old needed to hole an eagle putt on the last to force a playoff with Rasmus Hojgaard, who posted a final round 9-under. And, with the eagle putt gliding over the side of the hole, his chances of a win at Royal County Down were over.
Although it would have been bitterly disappointing, the World No.3 felt the Danes’ performance was worthy of victory.
“I think there may be a misconception that it hit me harder than it maybe did. I didn’t really feel like I necessarily lost the tournament. I felt like Rasmus went out and won it.”
But, as we come into the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, McIlroy is approaching the DP World Tour’s flagship event with a fresh mind, stating he’s “glad to get back on the horse again.”
Having been ten years since his last win at Wentworth, a victory this week would go a long way towards mending some of the disappointments of the season.
“It would mean a lot.” the Northern Irishman said. “It feels like quite a long time since I won at Quail Hollow back in May.”
While returning to the place of previous success can often have a positive psychological effect on a golfer, McIlroy’s form at the iconic Surrey course is another factor working in his favour.
“I’ve come close here a couple of times. I was second to Francesco in 2018, and second to Shane in 2022,” said the four-time major winner.
“My form at this tournament over the last few years has been very good, so it would be nice to just get another win on the board. It’s felt like a while, and I’ve played some very good golf on that stretch, I just haven’t been able to get over the line.”
As always — and this is something that is often forgotten by the media and fans alike — the percentage of losing will always be greater than winning. And for McIlroy, being in with a chance on the final day is just as important as sealing the deal.
“It would just be wonderful to give myself another chance. Every Sunday that I get myself in contention is an opportunity, but also a day to test myself and learn from the good, the bad, and everything else. So yeah, just another opportunity would be nice.”
