Northern Irish golf star Rory McIlroy had a two-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeau in the 2024 US Open and was in prime position to clinch victory before the unspeakable happened.
The 35-year-old somehow managed to let victory slip through his grip, failing to get up and down from off the green to save par at the par-three 15th before a shocking miss from inside three feet.
Things went from bad to worse when McIlroy drove a reckless effort off the final tee and couldn’t convert a par putt from around four feet. He could only watch in utter amazement as DeChambeau claimed the win.
Mcllroy sought redemption in the Open Championship the following month, but left Royal Troon early after missing thecut as the wind got the better of him.
He now has failed to win a major in ten years since his victory at the 2014 PGA Championship. The question on everyone’s mind is whether he will ever be able to clinch that elusive fifth major.
McIlroy Must Keep the Faith
McIlroy has not tasted victory in 39 major championships, watching on from the sidelines as Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm and DeChambeau have claimed multiple titles.
With rising stars such as Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffeleand Ludvig Aberg in the mix, McIlroy’s hopes of winning another major look fairly slim.
However, as fierce as the competition looks, McIlroy cannot afford to let his head drop. There are examples of players recording droughts before clinching major wins.
Phil Mickelson is the perfect example. He won The Open in 2013 and had to wait another eight years before claiming the PGA Championship.
Mickelson’s well-documented penchant for gambling hindered him at a time when he should have been at the peak of his powers, but he never lost faith in his own ability.
McIlroy must adopt a similar mindset to snap his major drought when the 2025 Masters is staged at Augusta National in Georgia, United States, next April.
One of McIlroy’s biggest frustrations is his failure to win The Masters. He has recorded several top ten finishes, including a top two in 2022, but victory remains elusive.
Despite his lack of success in majors in recent years, online bookmakers rate McIlroy as one of the favourites to win the tournament and complete a career grand slam.
Odds of 12/1 on Grandwin would represent excellent value if McIlroy produces his best form and could garner plenty of interest from punters worldwide.
The Northern Irishman has the talent to hit the bookies hard in The Masters, and bettors who keep the faith will be desperate to see him add his name to the roll of honour.
Consistency the Key for McIlroy
McIlroy is undoubtedly on the back nine of his career. The modern game of golf is incredibly demanding physically and mentally.
His ability to perform in future majors will hinge on his physical health, mental resilience and ability to adapt to evolving playing conditions.
His recent performances in majors have been inconsistent. He delivered abysmal performances with his T22 finish at the 2024 Masters and missing the cut at The Open.
However, he has also shown flashes of brilliance, clinching T2 finishes in the US Open in 2023 and 2024, showing he still has the talent to be in the mix.
McIlroy faces stern competition from younger players eager to make their mark. World number one Scheffler has already proved his mettle. The 28-year-old won the 2022 and 2024 Masters and is hungry for more.
Swedish sensation Aberg has also put himself on the map, delivering performances that make fans and pundits believe a major win is around the corner. McIlroy must compete with established contenders and rising stars coming through the ranks.
Winning majors demands more than skill. It requires a mental fortitude to hold off competition from the best in the game.McIlroy’s history of near misses may weigh on his confidence. The pressure of living up to expectations and the additional burden of a major drought may affect his performance.
He must overcome these psychological hurdles to taste major victory again. His focus on the grand slam can be a strength and a weakness. It will motivate him to strive for greatness but can also add pressure in crucial moments.
His talent and experience make him a strong contender for major success, and history has shown players can win big titles later in their careers. However, he must overcome competition, physical decline and the psychological weight of his failures.
If McIlroy can navigate these challenges, he could return tothe winners’ circle at a major championship over the next few years.
