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 Hits Grim Milestone: A Decade of Desperation for His Elusive Fifth Major”
Rory McIlroy has hit a chilling career milestone: as of August 10, he has begun his second decade of chasing a fifth major championship. This date symbolizes not just the passage of time but a stark reminder of the elusive nature of McIlroy’s quest, which started with such promise and is now tainted by a prolonged drought.
The four-time major champion was acutely aware of this grim anniversary as he teed off at Royal Troon for the final men’s major of the year, The Open. Despite his hopes of advancing past the weekend and making a significant push in his second round, disaster struck early. By the 7th tee, McIlroy was already 6-over for the day, contemplating his next vacation destination rather than focusing on the tournament. The looming questions about whether he will ever win The Masters again seemed inevitable, as his struggles at Royal Troon became apparent.
McIlroy’s focus has shifted to other significant events such as the Olympic Games, the FedEx Cup, and the Race to Dubai. However, it’s clear that his primary ambition remains securing a fifth major—a mark that would elevate his legacy and place him alongside the likes of Tiger Woods at Augusta National.
As we now stand on August 10, 2024, McIlroy finds himself at the beginning of a second decade in his pursuit of this elusive achievement. His last major victory came back in 2014 when he won the PGA Championship in near darkness at Valhalla. This triumph, achieved when McIlroy was a youthful 25-year-old, now feels like a distant memory as he navigates the challenges of a major championship drought.
In the 39 majors contested since that day in Louisville, Kentucky, 26 different players have clinched victories. This includes notable figures such as Brooks Koepka, who has amassed five major titles, and Jon Rahm, who has secured two. Bryson DeChambeau has also fought through injuries to capture his second major at the 2024 U.S. Open. McIlroy now faces competition from emerging stars like Scottie Scheffler and an increasingly formidable Xander Schauffele, along with the young Swede Ludvig Åberg, who is making waves on the tour.
At 35 years old, McIlroy might be seen as entering the latter part of his career. However, history offers some hope. Phil Mickelson, for instance, won his first major at 34, 12 years after turning professional, and went on to claim five more, including the historic 2021 PGA Championship at 50 years old. Yet, golf remains a sport dominated by youthful prowess, making McIlroy’s quest all the more challenging.
What does McIlroy himself have to say about this relentless pursuit? He has been transparent about his desire to win The Masters, which remains the only major eluding him. Achieving this would complete the career Grand Slam and place him alongside legends like Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Gary Player. McIlroy has often expressed his admiration for Augusta National, viewing it as a cathedral of golf and the pinnacle of the sport.
Reflecting on his major performances since 2014, McIlroy’s record reveals both moments of brilliance and frustrating near-misses. His performances have varied significantly across different tournaments, with notable top-five finishes and a few missed cuts, including a missed cut at the 2023 Masters and a disappointing outing at the 2024 Open Championship.
As McIlroy embarks on this new chapter, he will undoubtedly continue to grapple with the pressure and expectations that come with his pursuit of a fifth major. The journey ahead promises to be as compelling as it is unpredictable, and golf fans will be watching with bated breath to see if McIlroy can overcome this daunting hurdle and secure his place in the annals of golfing greatness.
