What if this was the starting signal for a sort of second career? Installed again on the throne of world number 1, Rory McIlroy has regained both his swing and his smile. “It’s a highlight of my career because it’s the result of a lot of effort and sacrifice,” said the Northern Irish champion, 33, after his recent victory at the CJ Cup.
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What if this was the starting signal for a sort of second career? Installed again on the throne of world number 1, Rory McIlroy has regained both his swing and his smile. “It’s a highlight of my career because it’s the result of a lot of effort and sacrifice,” said the Northern Irish champion, 33, after his recent victory at the CJ Cup. Turning professional in 2007 and immediately designated as the successor to Tiger Woods, Rory signed a supersonic start to his career, winning the US Open in 2011, at barely 22 years old. In the process, he offered himself three other Grand Slam titles (PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014 and The Open in 2014) displaying his omnipotence loud and clear. But strangely, he then failed to seal his domination. Admittedly, he never left the top of the bill, always finishing the season in the world top 10. Admittedly, he has built up a fabulous track record (23 successes on the PGA Tour, 14 on the European Tour and 4 in the Ryder Cup). But he also showed a certain fragility during major events. Since 2014, he has not won a single Major, often a victim of the famous “fear of winning” on the last day. By taking over the lead in world golf (for the ninth time in 10 years), McIlroy is displaying his new ambitions loud and clear. In recent months, he has acquired a real maturity. His game became more solid and consistent. Of course, he kept his attacking temperament but he also learned to show wisdom and strategy. After trying for a while to follow the trend of crazy hitters (like Bryson DeChambeau), he got back to basics and a less violent swing. His 2022 season was in any case remarkable with four titles on the PGA Tour, a final victory at the FedEx Cup and four top 10s in the Grand Slam tournaments. He has, over the tournaments, regained his confidence and the desire to surpass himself. He now has to establish his superiority in the Majors, and in particular at the Masters. Often ideally placed at the dawn of the last lap, he never managed to win on the diabolical fairways of Augusta National. A little as if it were an Indian sign. A little as if the green jacket was cut too big for him. No doubt he will do everything in 2023 to exorcise his demons and overcome the curse. Only five champions have won all four Grand Slams during their career: Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. For his talent and his influence on the game, Rory McIlroy clearly deserves to join them in history.
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