Rory McIlroy finds himself with no real alternative but to adopt a stoical approach to a year filled with near misses. A different stance could be problematic, not only for his mental state but also for anyone or anything within striking distance at the end of tournaments. McIlroy remains optimistic, believing that a breakthrough is imminent. The US Open in 2024 provided the most agonizing conclusion for McIlroy. At events like the Dubai Invitational, Olympics, Irish Open, and now the PGA Championship, he has come close to glory. Despite two victories, the last being in Charlotte in May, these feel like meager rewards for his consistent level of play.
A week after falling short at Royal County Down, McIlroy was again edged out at Wentworth on the final day by Billy Horschel. It took two holes of a playoff—with Thriston Lawrence eliminated after one—for the American to overcome McIlroy’s typically strong challenge. Horschel has now won this event twice. However, all eyes were inevitably on McIlroy. On the final hole of regulation play, a birdie would have secured victory. From the center of the 18th fairway, the Northern Irishman missed his four-iron to the left. With the opportunity lost, McIlroy had to settle for 20 under par and extra holes.
In the first playoff hole, Lawrence found water with his third shot, effectively ending his chances. McIlroy and Horschel both scored fours. Returning to the tee, both players were left with close to 30ft after two shots. McIlroy’s putt slid agonizingly past, while Horschel rolled his in. If McIlroy is truly wounded by coming so close so many times, he is masking it exceptionally well. “Look, it’s golf and I’m playing well,” McIlroy said. “These things happen. The game is testing me a little more than it has in the past, but that’s fine. All I can do is keep showing up and trying to play the golf I’ve been playing, and sooner or later, it’s going to result in a win.
“The nice thing is that there’s next year and the year after, and so on. If you think of my career as a 30-year journey, it’s only one year in that journey, and hopefully the other 29 are a little more productive or a little better. I’ve certainly had years where I’ve felt worse. When you get yourself in contention so much, inevitably you’re going to have disappointments. Unfortunately, I’m getting a little too used to feeling what it’s like when you do, and hopefully, that tide will turn.” McIlroy will return to action in the Dunhill Links Championship before heading to back-to-back events in the Middle East. The year seems destined to end with glory; the 35-year-old should secure the DP World Tour’s order of merit for a sixth time.
“When I show up at a golf tournament, I know that the field has to beat me to have a chance to win,” he added. “That’s a pretty good position to be in.” Horschel, with his West Ham United golf bag, feels like an adopted Englishman. He will see this victory as a point made to Jim Furyk, who overlooked him for a place on the US Presidents Cup team. “My heart was pounding on the last couple of shots, the last couple of holes, and especially in the playoff, but it’s always fun being in those situations,” Horschel said.
“That’s what we work so hard for. That’s what I’ve worked so hard for and what I’ve always wanted to be—in situations like that, going against the best players in the world and hopefully coming out on top on the day. I was able to edge out Rory and Thriston. It’s always one of my most special weeks of the year. I enjoy coming here. I feel a sense of ease. I feel a sense of calm.” Matteo Manassero faltered to a 73, his 17 under leaving him three shy of the playoff. Aaron Rai, who tied the lead at one point, and Matthew Baldwin joined the Italian in a share of fourth.
