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.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
PLAYING ALONG THE LINES
ClearPath Alignment now adorns the latest TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x Stripe golf balls.
NG CONTINUES TO BLAZE A TRAIL
Sydnie Ng's victory in the Singapore Junior Masters B Division Girls boosts her potential.
DESCENTE ON THE ASCENT
Descente and FILA Golf gives the renovated The Shop at Laguna National Golf Resort Club a trendy boost.
DIVINE PLEASURES FOR A CAUSE
Christian media ministry TWR Asia finds charitable connections through golf.
TO "D" OR NOT TO "D"?
If you chose “D”, you are right and you would be joining millions of people around the world who are choosing “D” as the one necessary supplement they must include in their daily diet.
QUOTIDIAN LUXURY
Audi's new Q4 e-tron offers everyday comfort and performance through sustainable rides.
A RACE LIKE NO OTHER
Join us as we take a front row seat at Le Mans, one of the greatest races in the world, followed by an exclusive tour of Ferrari's automated factory in Maranello, Italy.
CELEBRATING THE MODERN WOMAN
Patek Philippe's Twenty-4 collection has come a long way since its inception at the turn of the millennium, and this year's anniversary edition is a sign of the times.
THE PRIVILEGE OF MEMBERSHIP
Dragon Golf International offers its members in Singapore with access to top courses around the world. Founder and Managing Director Neil Douglas talks about why it may be the answer to the future of golf travel.
THE LURE OF THE LAKESIDE
Banyan Group's massive new undertaking in Phuket rides on soaring international demand for homes on the island
