Can Rory McIlroy Carry Golf To The Future?

By Billy Dowling | Feb 25, 2015

Welcome back Rory McIlroy, we’ve missed you. The world’s best player is making his PGA Tour debut this week at the Honda Classic and we’re ready for him to take the game by storm. He’s already won this year in Dubai and he’s had plenty of rest before a tournament that he finished second in last year and won two years ago. That victory in 2012 vaulted him to number one in the world and the 2014 version may be even better.

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With Tiger Woods on the shelf for the foreseeable future, golf is looking for someone to be it’s shining star. While there are plenty of contenders, let’s be honest no one is in the same stratosphere as McIlroy. Everything is set up for him to become the game’s biggest icon. In 2012 he may not have been able to handle it, but things are different, and now he’s ready to be the game’s best.

"“Of course I want to be that guy. I said it last year. Golf is waiting for someone like that to step forward, put their hand up and win the big tournaments. Yeah, this is the position I want to be in, and I want to be in it as long as I can.”"

Golf isn’t waiting for someone to take a step forward; it’s starved for it. A win this week will be a small step, but a victory at Augusta will be the real deal. Slipping on the green jacket would give him the career grand slam and three majors in a row. Many think it’s not if he’ll win at Augusta it’s when. Gary Player was fitted for three green jackets and he expects McIlroy to be the master of ceremonies at the champion’s dinner in no time.

"“The Masters is just made for him,” Player said. “There is no golf course I can think of that is made for him more than Augusta National.”"

Remember in 2011 it looked like Augusta would be the site of his first major victory. Then he hit his tee shot on the tenth hole on Sunday into someone’s backyard. A day that looked destined to end with him slipping on a green jacket, ended with an exhausted kid still trying to figure out how to win big. Years later not only has he figured it out; he’s now the overwhelming favorite each time he tees it up.

Things are just different now. He’s won four majors and already battled his way out of a slump and has come out of it stronger than ever. Even his playing competitors are starting to notice. Last year before the “Summer of Rory” there was the “Spring of Martin Kaymer.” He won The Players in dramatic fashion and routed the field at the U.S. Open, but then he fell victim to McIlroy’s dominance. This year he’s already noticed that Rory is showing no signs of slowing down.

"“I played with him in Dubai the first two rounds,” said Kaymer. “There’s no weakness. The only one who can beat him, I think, is himself.”"

There’s no argument here, the only thing that can derail the “McIlroy Locomotive” is if it’s wheels fall off the track. This week is a chance for him to show his grasp on the game and continue to get ready for The Masters. All eyes will be on him when he drives down Magnolia Lane, and it’s good that he’s getting used to it now. Because when the time comes for him to carry golf on his shoulders I hope he’s ready.

"McIlroy said, “I feel like I can handle the position I’m in a lot better than I did a couple years ago.”"

All quotes credit to GolfChannel.com

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