We make no apologies for bigging up Rory’s chances of completing the career Grand Slam. We do it most years, only this time we’ve got stats and facts to back up our optimism. After all, it was only the brilliance of others – rather than his own shortcomings – which stopped him from winning when it mattered most last season.
He was still the only player to finish inside the top 10 in all four Majors in 2022. Of course, that counts for very little without a win to show for it, but his consistency did help him become only the second man, after Henrik Stenson, to win the Race to Dubai and FedEx Cup in the same calendar year after notching three wins, two seconds and 10 other top 10s.
It would surely have gone down as one of the greatest seasons of all time had he tasted success at The Open or any of the other big four. As it is, there is an asterisk against his name, the kind which has followed him around for longer than we expected.
He was 25 when he won his fourth Major. He’s 33 now and hasn’t added to his tally since. Usually, we’d be lamenting his putting or wedge play, but last year felt different because his all-round game was largely flawless. For the first time ever, he finished inside the top 20 in strokes gained: putting on the PGA Tour, and ranked 22nd for approach shots from 50-125 yards, compared to ranking 164th the season before.
His new-found consistency has taken him back to World No.1 and he says the best is yet to come. It’s a scary proposition for his rivals, who didn’t even come within half a stroke of Rory’s scoring average on either the DP World Tour or the PGA Tour in 2022.
Bu hikaye Golf Asia dergisinin March 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Golf Asia dergisinin March 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
PARTYING AT VIETNAM CENTRAL COAST
NOX Beach Club at Hoiana Resort Golf is poised to be Southeast Asia’s most spectacular gastronomical destination.
PERFORMANCE MOTORS TURNS 45
The authorised dealer of BMW celebrates its anniversary with transformation and expansion.
HIGH VOLTAGE CABRIO
McLaren unveils its first-ever high-performance hybrid convertible in the Artura Spider.
MUTUAL INSPIRATION
The new Mercedes-AMG G 63 Grand Edition” and IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 reflects the epitome in luxury co-branding.
IT'S ALL IN THE WRIST
The Byrne Gyro Dial Golf is the ultimate companion for watch collectors with a passion for the game.
PLEASURES IN THE PENINSULA
The Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia, is home to a treasure trove of great courses. Here are three you won't want to miss.
THAILAND SOCIAL
Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Social Golf 2024 in Sriracha brings out the best of golf in the region.
THE HUNT IS ON
Big names in golf will vie for honours at Foxhills Club Resort this August at the International Series England.
DAY FINDS LIGHT AT THE END OF LONG TUNNEL
Australian Jason Day turns his career around to winning ways again.
BATTLING RAHM
Rolex Testimonee and 87th Masters Tournament Champion Jon Rahm opens up on what it’s like claiming the coveted Green Jacket and being a 2023 Ryder Cup winner.
