Rory McIlroy has reached an unwanted milestone in his career as 10 August marks the beginning of a second decade in his hunt for a fifth major.
Rory McIlroy has reached an unwanted milestone in his career, marking the beginning of a second decade in his pursuit of a fifth major championship. The four-time major champion last won a major at the 2014 PGA Championship, and despite his consistent performances, he has been unable to add to his tally.
McIlroy’s drought has seen 39 men’s major championships played and won by 26 different players, including some of his contemporaries like Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm, and Bryson DeChambeau. The emergence of new talent, such as Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, has also increased competition for the Northern Irishman.
However, McIlroy can take solace from the fact that he is still only 35 years old and has plenty of opportunities ahead of him. He can also draw inspiration from Phil Mickelson, who won his first major at 34 and went on to win five more, including the 2021 PGA Championship at the age of 50.
McIlroy has been open about his desire to win The Masters, which would complete the career grand slam and cement his legacy in the game. He has described Augusta National as a “cathedral of golf” and has expressed his admiration for the history and tradition of the tournament.
Despite his impressive record in majors since 2014, including two wins and 15 top-5 finishes, McIlroy has also experienced disappointment, with seven missed cuts. However, he remains one of the most consistent and talented players in the game, and his dedication and focus will likely lead to more opportunities for success in the future.
As McIlroy enters the second decade of his pursuit of a fifth major, he will be aware of the challenges ahead but will also be motivated by the prospect of joining an elite group of golfers who have achieved the career grand slam. His journey will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, and his determination and resilience will undoubtedly make for a captivating watch.
