Rory McIlroy is literally everywhere right now! After an incredible performance at THE PLAYERS Championship, the Irishman is one of the biggest names being considered to win the Masters right now. However, the battle of the Green Jacket means a lot more to him than anyone can think of. It may start his redemption arc after being called out as an ‘almost guy,’ following the mishap of Pinehurst No. 2 last year. Interestingly, this journey begins with him breaking a vow. But what is it? Well, last year, Rory McIlroy decided that he would take things slow in 2025.
USA Today via Reuters
To do that, the Irishman decided that he would not play certain events. “There’s a few tournaments that I played this year that I don’t usually play and that I might not play next year. Well, at this point in my career… Hey, I’m 35 and have been out here for 17, 18 years, so I’m just going to go to the places that I enjoy and where I play well. Look I’ve done the hard slog, I’ve done that sort of 25 to 30 events a year. And I’m not getting any younger,” he said. Reports suggested that he might skip the 2025 RBC Heritage, Texas Open, and Cognizant Classic. It’s true that he didn’t play the Cognizant Classic, but the golfer is part of the Texas Open’s field this week. He was strictly following through with what he said until this particular event, but why did he change his mind? Well, the answer lies in a statement from Tony Finau.
Recently, Underdog Golf shared some words from Tony Finau on X. The post read, “I don’t think there’s a better prep golf course leading up to The Masters than Memorial Park…I think they try to set it up to where it’s similar to Augusta National maybe to have guys play.” So, basically, this week’s Texas Children’s Houston Open is a mock test for the Irishman before entering into the intense battle of the green jacket? Interestingly, some eagle-eyed fans also saw the Irishman walking down the Augusta National yesterday. A tracker account posted about it on X with the caption, “A certain someone was at Augusta National yesterday,” with Rory McIlroy’s picture.
The last time Rory McIlroy won a major was back in the 2014 PGA Championship. He would have won his fifth major title last year; however, a bogey on 18th at the Pinehurst No. 2 not only broke his heart but also ended his chances to win the US Open. But this year is different as the golfer seems in good form with the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and THE PLAYERS Championship to his name. To carry this form to the Masters, the Irishman also received a suggestion from a fellow PGA Tour golfer. Enter Billy Horschel.
What does Billy Horschel have to say about Rory McIlroy?
Recently, Billy Horschel was on the Sky Sports Golf podcast, and they talked about Rory McIlroy and the Masters. The insider had similar thoughts to Tony Finau as he believed Memorial Park serves as a good practice for the Masters. Horschel agreed to that fact and said, “I think it’s a really good designed golf course for Rory. When Rory talked to me about it when we were talking about the schedule last year, earlier this year, I think he mentioned playing in Houston. And I said, ‘Man, this course is right up your alley.’ Obviously, there is a distant bias. there are a lot of holes you can hit, and I would suspect Rory’s got a very good chance to win.”
However, things may go south with Scottie Scheffler on the field, and Billy Hoschel didn’t deny that either and further added, “I know Scottie Scheffler is in the field…but the way Rory has been playing this year or where his game’s at wouldn’t shock me if he wins this week. And it is a good test. The greens are big and they have got some slope in them. chipping around the greens, having to hit these hit chips up to the greens so it gets you ready for Augusta a little bit and yeah I think it’s gonna be a great test.” The good thing is that this test’s result will only serve as an experience for him to get better.
Do you think Rory McIlroy can win the Masters? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
