Golf

If McIlroy Wants a Legacy as an All-Time Great, He Must End a 10-Year Drought

The Northern Irishman hasn’t won a major championship since 2014, instead racking up big-moment misfires.
If McIlroy Wants a Legacy as an All-Time Great, He Must End a 10-Year Drought
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland with his wife, Erica Stoll, and daughter Poppy alongside the DP World Tour Championship and the Race to Dubai trophies on the 18th green following victory on day four of the DP World Tour Championship 2024 at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Nov. 17. Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
M. James Ward
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Commentary

When Rory McIlroy finished in near darkness at the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla, he joined a very elite company. Just two golfers—Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods—had won four major championships by age 25. The future looked limitless.

M. James Ward
M. James Ward
Author
Ward is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and Met Golf Writers Association. He has covered over 100 major championships and 12 Ryder Cup Matches. His golf acumen extends to architecture/travel, equipment, apparel, and general interest stories as well as in-depth interviews with the leading participants and influencers in the sport.