There is no doubt that golf in 2014 was dominated by Rory McIlroy. The number one pro won his third and fourth majors of the year, played a leading role in helping Europe win its third Ryder Cup, as well as competed through the final round of the FedEx Cup playoffs.
The end of the year saw McIlroy lift numerous trophies as fans, players, and sportscasters praised the tremendous season he played. Now as the 2015 PGA and European Tours get underway, McIlroy and his followers are looking towards his future.
For the last several seasons, golf fanatics have made numerous comparisons between McIlroy and the former world number one, Tiger Woods. The 39 year old Woods has 14 majors under his belt, and became only the second golfer in history to win 4 of those titles before the age of 25. McIlroy became the third golfer to do the same this season.
However, other experts are betting that McIlroy could go even further than Woods to succeed one of the sport’s most accomplished superstars, Jack Nicklaus. The now retired Nicklaus was the first golfer to complete triple slams on all 4 of the majors. He won his third title at the Open in 1978, and won his final major at the Masters in 1986 – his sixth of those tournaments.
As the modern number one golfer, McIlroy has the skill and the determination to win at least 10 more majors, matching the record held by Woods. But the 25 year old McIlroy also has time, and perhaps most importantly, good health on his side, meaning there is a realistic shot that Nicklaus’ record may be challenged, if not overtaken in the next 15 years.
McIlroy’s first goal will be to complete his first grand slam sweep of the majors. The only tournament of the big four to elude McIlroy’s grasp is the Masters, which is the first major of the 2015 season and will be played in April. Winning the Masters would give McIlroy his first slam, his fifth major title, and the next stepping stone towards challenging the legends of the past. Better bet on another solid season of golf ahead for McIlroy.
