The man who could hit a 40-yard drive at just two years old has, at 23, proven himself one of the greatest golfers the world has ever seen. Rory McIlroy rocketed back to the world number one spot after a record-breaking win on Sunday at those US PGA championships we were so excited about.
His record eight shot victory at Kiawah Island has landed him his second major title after winning the US open last year. The Northern Irishman is now the youngest man to win two majors since 1980 when Spain’s Seve Ballesteros won the Masters, also aged 23. Tiger Woods was four months older when he won his second major.
After completing his winning shot, McIlroy stopped, shut his eyes and savoured the moment. Not only had he accomplished a huge personal achievement – he had silenced the critics. Earlier this year he wasn’t on such sure-footing. Many questioned if his career was veering off track following a run of four missed cuts in five events and speculation that his girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki was distracting him.
At his victory press conference, McIlroy took a moment to reply to the critics.
“I was a little frustrated with how I was playing earlier on in the year but a few people in this [media] room were probably pressing panic buttons for no reason. I don’t think I could have answered the criticism in a better way.”
Well said, Rory.
If you’re feeling inspired by Rory’s historic win get practising your shots (and proving those critics wrong) at the Camiral Resort.
