Rory McIlroy’s Recent Success Raises Hopes for an End to Major Drought
Rory McIlroy was once seen as the next big thing in golf, joining legends like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus by winning four major championships before the age of 25. His victories at the 2011 U.S. Open, 2012 PGA Championship, 2014 Open Championship, and 2014 PGA Championship set the stage for what many believed would be a dominant career. However, his path did not unfold as expected, as he has since endured a decade-long major drought that has raised concerns in the golf community.
Jack Nicklaus’ Perspective on McIlroy’s Struggles
Recently, golf icon Jack Nicklaus shared his thoughts on McIlroy’s prolonged major championship drought. Speaking on the 5 Clubs podcast, Nicklaus expressed confidence in the Northern Irishman’s ability to eventually win the Masters, saying, “I still firmly believe that Rory will win the Masters; he’s just too good not to. You just gotta get him out of himself. You know, that’s the problem.”
McIlroy seems to have taken this feedback seriously, as his recent performances indicate a resurgence. He started the current season on a high note, securing a win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Shortly afterward, he followed it up with another victory at The PLAYERS Championship, showcasing a level of dominance that has been absent in recent years.
McIlroy’s Season So Far
His performance so far in the season has significantly quieted critics. Out of five starts, he has recorded two victories, one top-five finish, and two additional top-20 finishes. This impressive run of form has led many to speculate whether he is finally prepared to claim his long-awaited fifth major.
Following his victory at The PLAYERS Championship, McIlroy was asked about his mindset leading up to the Masters. He responded confidently, explaining that he plans to “double down” on the work he has been doing. He specifically credited his ongoing conversations with renowned sports psychologist Bob Rotella, emphasizing that consistency in his preparation is key.
McIlroy’s Approach to Ending His Major Drought
During a press conference, McIlroy was asked, “How much work is required in maintaining or improving your mindset? And can you give us a sense of how you try to do that in the next three weeks?” This question reflects the skepticism that still surrounds his ability to finally break his major drought. However, he answered with confidence:
“I think just double down on what I’m doing. Double down on the work that I’ve been doing at home. Double down on the conversations I’ve been having with Bob Rotella, all that sort of stuff. It’s just continuing to do the same things.”
McIlroy’s partnership with Rotella is not new. He has openly discussed how working with the sports psychologist has helped him refine his mental approach, particularly in high-pressure situations like the Masters.
Even last year, ahead of the 2023 Masters, McIlroy had spoken about his work with Rotella. Now, after narrowly missing out in previous attempts, he is determined to continue refining his game and mindset to end his major championship drought.
Signs of Consistency in Performance
A closer look at McIlroy’s season reveals a notable level of consistency. Out of all his rounds, only three were above par, while the rest were at par or under. These performances suggest that he is responding well to the criticism he has received in recent years. While McIlroy has shown improvement, the current World No. 1, Scottie Scheffler, has faced struggles of his own.
Scottie Scheffler’s Challenges This Season
Scheffler, who had a dominant 2024 season with seven PGA Tour victories, has encountered difficulties in 2025. Injuries delayed his season debut, causing a loss of momentum. In his five appearances so far this season, he has managed only one top-five finish and one additional top-10 result.
His lack of victories this season has raised questions about whether he can recapture his best form. Speaking to Global Golf Post, Scheffler acknowledged the challenges he has faced, saying:
“In a perfect world, the results would continue to be the way that they are and I could be No. 1 for the rest of my life, but life doesn’t always go that way. So, I’m going to enjoy it while I can, continue to prepare the way that I do, and approach each tournament in a way that when I think about success, I don’t think about being the best player in the world.”
Despite these setbacks, Scheffler remains optimistic and focused on his process. His performance at the Genesis Invitational, where he finished tied for third, suggested that he may be finding his form again.
Looking Ahead to the Masters
With the Masters approaching, the conversation now revolves around whether McIlroy can finally break through and complete his career Grand Slam. His recent performances suggest that he is in one of the best positions he has been in years. The question remains: Will he be able to sustain this momentum under the intense pressure of Augusta National?
As the tournament draws closer, golf fans worldwide will be eager to see whether McIlroy can finally put an end to his long major championship drought or if he will fall short once again.