The Daily Star Ireland
The achievements of Irish golfers in recent years, including ten major victories in the last 17 years, have made it easy to take the level of success for granted. However, 2024 nearly became one of the most memorable years in Irish golf history, falling just short of greatness.
Rory McIlroy’s performance at the US Open was a near miss, as a two-shot lead on the back nine slipped away with three bogeys in the final holes, leaving him just one shot away from a playoff. Meanwhile, Shane Lowry was in contention at the Open Championship, leading after seven holes in the third round at Royal Troon, and also came within a 12-foot putt of breaking the record for the lowest 18-hole score in major championship history at the USPGA Championship, where he remained competitive deep into the final Sunday.
McIlroy did secure four tournament victories in 2024, including a win at the Zurich Classic, which he shared with Lowry, but his season was marked by a series of frustrating near-misses. The US Open, in particular, stood out as a painful loss, and he also faced disappointing finishes at the Dubai Desert Classic, the Amgen Irish Open at Royal County Down, and the BMW Championship at Wentworth.
Despite these setbacks, McIlroy’s year was still solid, and he himself rated it as a “B” performance, which reflects the high standards he has set for himself over the years. His past accomplishments, such as four major victories between 2011 and 2014, three FedEx Cup wins, and 122 weeks as World No. 1, have set a high bar. While McIlroy didn’t achieve anything on that level in 2024, his four wins and consistent play kept him in the top three of the world rankings.
A standout moment came in May, when McIlroy triumphed in the Wells Fargo Championship, securing a five-stroke victory with a final round of 65, leaving Xander Schauffele behind. However, the highs were fleeting, as McIlroy faced numerous painful losses over the course of the year.
As he heads into the offseason, McIlroy may find himself reflecting on his physical game, particularly when it comes to dealing with the pressure of major championships. His tendency to make poor shot selections in critical moments has been a recurring issue, and while execution is rarely a problem, the mental aspect of his game may need attention. The carefree approach that allowed him to win four majors by his mid-20s is likely gone, and moving forward, McIlroy must find a way to capitalize on his opportunities with a more focused approach, rather than relying on brute force.
Jack Nicklaus, a mentor to McIlroy, has offered insights into his game. Nicklaus has noted that McIlroy sometimes struggles with focus, pointing out that during key moments in major tournaments, McIlroy plays more casually than he should. He highlighted specific moments on iconic courses like Augusta National, where careful shot selection is crucial, and warned that McIlroy’s approach may lead to costly mistakes.
As McIlroy enters 2025, he will be keenly aware that winning a particular major, one that Nicklaus has often emphasized, could be the key to cementing his legacy as one of golf’s greats.
