Rory McIlroy - 4 Time Major Winner

McIlroy is 35. He has 4 majors. He knows what it requires. I remember Faldo, then 35 as well, in 1992 at Muirfield. He went into it with a 4 shot lead but by the time he was standing on the 15th tee he was 2 behind John Cook. Faldo said he wasn’t choking but (like DeChambeau) he was making a mess of it all. Cook, now with the title in his grasp with a two shot lead, missed a 2 footer on the 17th for birdie and then bogeyed the 18th. He lost by a shot. Faldo having to hit, in his opinion, the shot of his life into the 18th to pip him. Did Cook choke? I reckon, like Rory, he did. Cook suddenly finding himself in the lead. A major on the line. Short miss and compounded by a bogey at the last. Rory missing shots, DeChambeau having to hit the shot of his life to pip Rory.

Pressure can do that regardless if you’re a journeyman having the week of your life or a 4 time major winner.

Both of those are very apt for how Rory and Bryson actually played the final round. I wouldn't call either a choker as I don't like the term though. I have to say that it was a very interesting final round played on a very tight and difficult course. Really enjoyable.

have to laugh at people who don’t think terms or words should be used because they openly admit they don’t like said words or phrases ! 🤣

they probably don’t like terms such as millennials or softies either 🤣

Have no opinion on either word. My point on the word “meltdown” is that I don’t like it but that’s not why I think it shouldn’t be used in this context. There are certain connotations that come with the word, it’s emotive, it’s hyperbolic and I don’t think it’s appropriate for sport.

But yeah, reduce it to I don’t think it should be used “because I don’t like it.” Jesus wept.

McIlroy let the pressure get to him, no doubt. But why people have to resort to pretty extreme words to describe it escapes me. Maybe it makes them feel better about themselves.

As Oscar Wilde might say 'To miss one short putt is unfortunate; to miss two looks like carelessness'

It’s being understood that he made 496 putts of 3 feet by some people.

People are not understanding it like that. It is not being presented that way.

The stat from Justin Ray:

Rory McIlroy was 496-for-496 putting inside 3 feet this season before that miss.

There’s nothing misleading about that. If people don’t understand what “inside 3 feet” means, that’s not on the journalist. It’s not being used to exagerate anything nor is it misleading as you claim. It’s given in its context.

Youve an odd and weird issue with the English language and how people use it.

How is a meltdown emotive? It’s a word often used in sport.

10 years of learnings? People have become surgeons with a shorter period of learnings.

In fairness since I wrote that he has come out the following day praising the winner - look the vast majority of us don’t know what goes on at that level - I posted that comment more out of concern for Rory’s recovery from that experience rather than any criticism per se- but it’s probably worth him exploring that over the coming months- the game of golf at that level is all in the mind so you need to get your mind straight - hopefully whatever about the golf lessons he’ll reflect on from a technique perspective, he’ll also learn something about defeat or indeed handling the pressure throughout a potential win - mind games can be desperate in sport

We don't know the ins and outs of it - but the LIV split I'd say was a factor.

Call it a hunch - and it was mentioned on Newstalk - but Garcia being there was not a help at all.

Still think there should be someone in his team - that can say , Rory - it is fairly customary to just hang around a bit - go shake Bryson's hand and then we get the **** out of here - meet up with Shane , have a beer.

Exactly that.

Even if Garcia is winding him up, he should be able to ignore him after all these years. If he can’t, that’s probably why Garcia is still at it.

Jesus we Irish really love to kick a man when there down! The amount of traffic this thread has got since he lost is gas! A lot of posters too that never post anything in the golf forum 😂 If he had of won, it wouldn't of got as much traffic! Rory is one of the most honest golfers in the game! and always one of the first to congratulate fellow Pro's.

Nobody knows what goes on behind the scenes. All the back ground noise with the wife too. The fact people are going mad he didnt hang around to congratulate Bryson etc is mad! Anything to find fault. They weren't even in the same group ffs.. and the fact he left the way he did fair play to him. He gives so much to the game (and yes obviously has got a lot too) but he's human and was totally dejected. Shows how badly he wants to win a major which is great to see considering all the money he has! He could retire tomorrow and never hit a golf ball again if he wanted! Great to see passion in sport especially when their multi millionaires! I dont blame him pulling out of the next tournament he's not a robot and that would of took a lot out of him. Especially with the intensity and then to lose.. He still is one of the best players in the game and has been for the last decade! Thats the best I have seen him play in a major since he last won one on a very difficult course. One maybe you could say 2 mistakes cost him - Fine margins! I personally think the main one was the 7I when he over shot the green.. But yet Cantley also hit 7I to dead centre.. Its a funny auld game.

Gas thing is if he didnt make the cut he be still be getting called a bottle job! 😂😂😂

7I when he over shot the green.. But yet Cantley also hit 7I to dead centre.. Its a funny auld game.

Rory and Cantlay hit the ball different distances with their clubs. Nothing really strange about it.

Where did I say there was anything strange? I was pointing out the fine margins and how both can hit 7i with different results for the key board warriors who probably dont even play golf.