2023 Travelers Championship: Top 10 Power Rankings

It’s tough to know what to expect out of Rory McIlroy this week.

Based on recent performance, another high finish appears likely. His solo second last week at the U.S. Open was his fourth straight top-10 and fifth in the last seven events.

Unfortunately for Rory, none were wins. That fact stings the most at the majors where his title drought will reach a decade if he doesn’t prevail at next month’s Open Championship.

McIlroy is making his fifth start at the Travelers Championship. He’s yet to contend, but results of T-17th (67-73-70-64) in 2017, T-12th (64-69-69-67) in 2018, T-11th (63-68-69-67) in 2020, and T-19th (62-70-72-67) last year show he’s close to getting it done one of these years.

"“…you can make birdies, you can get on runs, and that’s a nice thing,” McIlroy was quoted by ASAP Sports in 2018. “The golf course sets up well. It’s a nice part of the world to be in this time of year. The weather is always pretty good. Because of that, the course is always in really good shape. It’s just all of that together just makes it a really enjoyable week.”"

The question is motivation.

At this stage in his career, his legacy can really only be improved at the majors. McIlroy has skipped two designated events this season, PIP money be damned.

At time of writing, he’s still in the field at TPC River Highlands.

As long as he’s playing, McIlroy’s got one of the highest floors of any player in the world. If not a win, I expect him to at least keep his top-20 streak in Connecticut going.

He ranks fourth on the PGA Tour in total strokes gained per round (2.026) and 10th in SG approach (.69).

Fewer drivers off the tee this week should lead to more fairways hit. McIlroy’s 12th in proximity from the fairway (31’).