Masters week

[greenlex]

Masters week. My favourite golf week of the year. Who we on?
Scheffler again? Is he in enough form. He will need to putt better for sure.
Is it Rory time? Can he get out off his own head. Certainly the form horse.
I’ve a feeling that Aberg isn’t going to be far away.
Lefties usually do well round Augusta. Harman won last week so we can rule him out I think. Bubba Phil and Mike Weir ain’t gonna do it. Joe Highsmiths and Matt McCartys first masters so we can rule them out. That leaves Bob and Akshay Bhaita. Both worth an e/w punt I think. Both there or there abouts in their starts this year.
On the nose Scheffler McIlroy and Koepka
McIntyre Bhaita Aberg and Cantlay all e/w
Good luck troops.

[Smartie]

I don't think there could be much better entertainment than Rory being in contention or in the lead going into the back 9 on Sunday. Does he hold his nerve?

His biggest challenge, as ever, will be making sure he hasn't already played himself out of contention on Thursday.

Quite hard to see beyond Scheffler but tbh a Scheffler procession would be dull. It would be great for a random winner to emerge, Bob would be perfect.

Personally I always find myself mainly hoping that it doesn't go to any of the LIV lot though.

[Greenbeard]

Rooting for Rory and Not So Fat Bob but have punted EW on Bhatia at 50/1 and Horschel at 90/1 paying 10 places.

[Godsahibby]

Masters made even better when the other half has mad plans to go away for the weekend!

I think like all of us, would love to be sitting in the house Sunday afternoon (after a Hibs win) watching Rory in contention.

Will look at a few e/w bets, Shane Lowry looking a good price with the form he has been in, solid off the tee and very good second shot. If he can get the putter working he will be there or there about.

Fitzpatrick is another, hasnt been on the best of form this year but a very solid player and tends to raise his game for the majors. Sitting at 90/1 good e/w shout.

[Dmas]

Going to have xander schaufele at 20s and have a e/w on Victor Hovland as well at the start and see where I am come the cut

[greenlex]

Right the bets are on.
McIlroy and Scheffler both top 5 inc ties. 5/1
McIlroy outright. 6/1
Scheffler outright. 5/1
Aberg e/w. 16/1
Bhatia e/w. 60/1
Koepka e/w 30/1
schaufflele e/w 22/1
Niemann. e/w 28/1
Mcintyre e/w 45/1
Straka e/w 50/1
Detry outright 150/1 free bet

all e/w 1/5th odds 8 places.
Bring it on. :greengrin:thumbsup:

[McD]

Watched footage of Rory’s 4 year old daughter rolling in a 25 foot putt during the par 3 tournament, the whole crowd went nuts for her, lovely to see them and Shane Lowry getting excited for her and cheering.


https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/golf/articles/c62zzn3g14qo

[Smartie]

Very solid start from Scheffler.

Great to see Justin Rose playing some lovely stuff too. Funny how often he starts well here.

Strong front 9 from Rory too.

[Trinity Hibee]

Great scenery at Augusta

[Just_Jimmy]

Rory manages to play himself out of it every year. Played a great round then blew up on the last few holes.

Its so frustrating. Got to think with who's already in front of him, it'll take a miracle from here.

I'd love to see Justin Rose bring it home if Rory cant.

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[Smartie]

Rory manages to play himself out of it every year. Played a great round then blew up on the last few holes.

Its so frustrating. Got to think with who's already in front of him, it'll take a miracle from here.

I'd love to see Justin Rose bring it home if Rory cant.

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Justin Rose apart, Rory's only 4 off the rest of them.

He's got a low round in him at any time so I wouldn't say he's out of it yet.

The smart money would be on his low round being his 4th, where he almost does enough but has simply left himself too much to do.

He was going along beautifully too until he got totally derailed with that careless chip at the 15th.

[Just_Jimmy]

Justin Rose apart, Rory's only 4 off the rest of them.

He's got a low round in him at any time so I wouldn't say he's out of it yet.

The smart money would be on his low round being his 4th, where he almost does enough but has simply left himself too much to do.

He was going along beautifully too until he got totally derailed with that careless chip at the 15th.I know that, which is why I said who's in front. Scheffler will continue to go round 4, 5 under every round. Its not a brakes off course, its plot your way around course.

If Rory is within 4 on the last day he'll have a chance but like you say, probably just finish short

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[Hibs90]

Only two players in history have won the Masters from behind 7 behind the leader after day 1. Tiger in 2005 and Faldo in 1990.

Rory needs to have an unbelievable round today, and Rose to fall back, Scheffler and the others to not gain and he will be in the hunt.

I don’t think there’s much chance of all of the above

[Godsahibby]

Some effort from Rory this afternoon. He needed that!!

Tonight’s golf is going to be a bit naughty with this wind.

[Just_Jimmy]

Justin Rose apart, Rory's only 4 off the rest of them.

He's got a low round in him at any time so I wouldn't say he's out of it yet.

The smart money would be on his low round being his 4th, where he almost does enough but has simply left himself too much to do.

He was going along beautifully too until he got totally derailed with that careless chip at the 15th.Guess thats why they call you smartie?

Phenomenal effort. I just want him to be in contention on the Sunday back 9.



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[greenlex]

Rory had a bit of luck today but you need that. Fabulous round today and right up there. Wind gets up tonight and the afternoon guys will struggle with the lace of the greens being what they are.
His weekend rounds around Augusta are usually pretty good with the Achilles heel being the first two. First part done.

[greenlex]

What a start for the leaders tonight. Quite unbelievable really.,

[MKHIBEE]

McIlroy and Dechambeau on fire at the moment, hopefully they can keep it up, great viewing

[Just_Jimmy]

This is sensational

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[Pagan Hibernia]

McIlroy over the last day and a half...sublime

[Just_Jimmy]

McIlroy over the last day and a half...sublimeWobbling again

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[Jim44]

McIlroy can only give this away. Nobody can do enough to overtake him. Mind you, he’s capable of blowing up. Hope he hangs on.

[Just_Jimmy]

McIlroy can only give this away. Nobody can do enough to overtake him. Mind you, he’s capable of blowing up. Hope he hangs on.I feel like I've seen this movie before.

Its the golf equivalent of wanting hibs to win the Scottish Cup.

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[Jim44]

I feel like I've seen this movie before.

Its the golf equivalent of wanting hibs to win the Scottish Cup.

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Absolute certainty. Dechambeau doesn’t have the all round game to beat him. Rose steps out of the tournament with a 3 putt from 8 feet. He’ll never recover from that.

[Just_Jimmy]

Absolute certainty. Dechambeau doesn’t have the all round game to beat him. Rose steps out of the tournament with a 3 putt from 8 feet. He’ll never recover from that.Hes just holed that to trim it to 2. Rory left a few putts he'd kill to have back.

Its far from certain and tomorrow is going to be nerve shreading again.

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[BroxburnHibee]

Really hope Rory can do it but I fear his Augusta demons may chew him up and spit him out again.

[Smartie]

Really looking forward to this final duel tonight.

Hopefully Rory manages to get the better of Rory.

[greenlex]

Few snacks picked up on the way back from the game (despite parking myself in ESF next to the omni centre for about and hour) and looking forward to this immensely.

[gbhibby]

C'mon Rory, your time to join the Elite of the game.

[Just_Jimmy]

Shat the bed already

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[I'm_cabbaged]

Ffs Rory

[DaveF]

And now McIlroy is 3 ahead. What a bonkers start.

[Just_Jimmy]

Torture to watch but huge from Rory.

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[Smartie]

This is incredible viewing already.

Still think there are a few twists and turns yet.

Ludwig still lurking too…

[greenlex]

Just like that the lead is extended. :agree:

[Greenbeard]

This is incredible viewing already.

Still think there are a few twists and turns yet.

Ludwig still lurking too…

And Rose....

[Smartie]

4 shot lead going into the back 9 should be enough.

Shouldn’t it?

This is class, exactly the spectacle we wanted.

[greenlex]

Avoid the aqua till the house and he’s done it.

[Just_Jimmy]

Avoid the aqua till the house and he’s done it.And just like that, he's **** the bed again

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[greenlex]

And just like that, he's **** the bed again

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That’s possibly his worst mistake in all his career. He had the best part of Augusta to the left and 80 odd yards to the hole. The one and only place he couldn’t put it was in Raes Creek. Dreadful error. Did the right thing laying up then that. Unforgivable. If he doesn’t go on to win he will never ever do it round Augusta National.

[Just_Jimmy]

That’s possibly his worst mistake in all his career. He had the best part of Augusta to the left and 80 odd yards to the hole. The one and only place he couldn’t put it was in Raes Creek. Dreadful error. Did the right thing laying up then that. Unforgivable. If he doesn’t go on to win he will never ever do it round Augusta National.No one to blame but himself. I've defended him his whole career but this is nothing short of a bottle job.

He should hang it up if he blows this.

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[Ryan91]

Cracker of a second shot at 15 there for Rory

[Just_Jimmy]

That's unreal.

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[Ryan91]

Should have been an Eagle, but it's a Birdie instead, he's back in the lead though, but really should be 2 shots clear.

[Ryan91]

Rose has carded an incredible round, 66, 11 under and tied for the lead with Rory (for now)

[Scottie]

Rory never does it the easy way, what a round by Justin Rose some 66. Sqeeky bum time.

[Ryan91]

Another cracking shot from Rory, 17 this time.

[I'm_cabbaged]

This has been some watch!!!

[greenlex]

As Peter Aliiss would say”I’ve never seen anything like in my life and neither have you”

[I'm_cabbaged]

Cashed out on Rory and left my e/w on Aberg going. Not my greatest moment 🤦

[Just_Jimmy]

Considering the pressure he's under, he's probably hit two of the best shots of his career and masters history in the last couple of holes.

Just par 18. Please

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[3pm]

I am not confident!

[jamie_1875]

Needs a cracking next shot from the bunker.

[greenlex]

Sandy Lyle. Mark Omeara. Off the top of my head holed to win. Just the masters tho.,not a grand slam and immortality.
I can’t look.🫣🫣🫣🫣

[Ryan91]

we have a playoff!

[greenlex]

I couldn’t breathe. I don’t know how he felt.
Off to ten we go.

[I'm_cabbaged]

Do they play 10 and 18 over. First to win a hole?

[Benny Brazil]

Momentum must be with Rose - he finished his last few holes on a high whilst Rory's head must be scrambled

[greenlex]

Usually ten and eleven. Can’t remember if they do twelve if it’s still tied. It’s been a while. Faldo and Mize won on eleven.

[Just_Jimmy]

He rushed his putt. But my heart was beating out my chest so god knows how he felt.

Unbearable.

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[greenlex]

You just know that Rose is holing first. 🫣🫣🫣

[Scouse Hibee]

Well done Rory

[Ryan91]

Rory's done it!

Gutted for Rose, been in the last two playoffs at the Masters, came out runner-up on both occasions to a long-time Ryder Cup team mate.

[greenlex]

Never in doubt. 😂😂😂😂. What a moment.

[JohnM1875]

Delighted for him!

Tried his best to chuck if but some mental strength to go on and win it.

Buzzing for him.

[GreenNWhiteArmy]

Brutal for rose after that round but well done Rory

That was a fantastic day of golf

[Just_Jimmy]

Phenomenal. He absolutely put me through the ringer but what a win.

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[Greenbeard]

Couldn't bear to leave the action over the last few holes so just let it go and sat in ma pish.

[Smartie]

It was stressful enough watching, let alone playing.

Well done Rory. He’s given us plenty of entertainment over the years.

Persevere.

[greenlex]

Oh aye and about £60 to the good 👍

[Pretty Boy]

That was great entertainment. I was close to going to bed after McIlroy played the 10th as I thought it was over at that point. Glad I never.

Pleased for Rory but I do feel heart sorry for Justin Rose. Played one of the rounds of his life, one of the great Augusta rounds, and has nothing to show for it (well a hefty payday but you know what I mean). He was very gracious in defeat, as was RM in victory.

Aberg's meltdown at the last couple cost me a few quid in place money on my bet. The other 2 were long dead by that point.

[He's here!]

Shame for Rose. He played the better golf yesterday. I've never really been able to warm to McIlroy.

[Wilson]

Shame for Rose. He played the better golf yesterday. I've never really been able to warm to McIlroy.

Yes. I like Rose so wouldn't have been upset had he won. Rory shouldn't have 'left the door open' for him though so I guess the right man won in the end.

Also, following this Hibs team, I'm warming to a bit of history being made!

[Just_Jimmy]

Shame for Rose. He played the better golf yesterday. I've never really been able to warm to McIlroy.Rose played great golf Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

By Sunday all the pressure was off.

On the playoff he played a great golf shot to get a 7 foot putt. Mcilroy bettered it and won.

The best player won, what Mcilroy did yesterday with the weight he carried was phenomenal. I doubted it happening many times.

Mcilroys press conference is brilliant, its raw and honest.

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[He's here!]

Rose played great golf Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

By Sunday all the pressure was off.

On the playoff he played a great golf shot to get a 7 foot putt. Mcilroy bettered it and won.

The best player won, what Mcilroy did yesterday with the weight he carried was phenomenal. I doubted it happening many times.

Mcilroys press conference is brilliant, its raw and honest.

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I've found the whole 'heavy burden/heartbreak' narrative around McIlroy a bit tiresome. After a whirlwind early few years, he just hasn't been quite good enough to land that final slam until now. Mentality is as important as talent for players at that level and he's simply been found wanting at the key moments.

[Just_Jimmy]

I've found the whole 'heavy burden/heartbreak' narrative around McIlroy a bit tiresome. After a whirlwind early few years, he just hasn't been quite good enough to land that final slam until now. Mentality is as important as talent for players at that level and he's simply been found wanting at the key moments.Hes only the 6th player in the history of the game to win all four majors. The others with 3 haven't really even come close to doing it.

Regardless of how people see it, it was a huge burden which only got harder at each missed chance and as the time went on.

Mentality IS massive, but finishing 2nd and 3rd at majors isn’t weak Mentality. Getting over that hurdle is hard.

Anyway, no one can ever throw it at him again. Hes a legend of the game, an exclusive club of only 6.

Massive congratulations to Justin Rose too, as I mentioned, he played great golf and is a top guy. All in all, a great tournament and Sunday was brilliant.

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[greenlex]

I've found the whole 'heavy burden/heartbreak' narrative around McIlroy a bit tiresome. After a whirlwind early few years, he just hasn't been quite good enough to land that final slam until now. Mentality is as important as talent for players at that level and he's simply been found wanting at the key moments.
I think you have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. To nail the slam he had to be the best player on one single week of the year against the very best players in the world. It took him 11 tries to do it. It’s absolutely to do with mentality in his case as he has consistently been one or if not the best player in the world that whole time. It’s to do with mentality but the pressure on him to do it is unequalled in the game in recent years with the exception of Mickelson and Spieth. The fact that players of that calibre haven’t done it and I doubt Mickelson will now and I don’t think Spieth has actually maintained his game to do it over a similar timescale speaks volumes to McIlroys resilience determination and talent to finally get the job done. The way he done it magnifies that very mentality. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t win a good few majors before he retires from competitive golf. In fact with The Open being back at Royal Portrush ( a course he has the record round) in Northern Ireland that will be a great opportunity to add that. Quail Hollow next up for the USPGA as well. A course he has won multiple times round. Could a grand Slam in a year be on and hold all four titles at the same time. Tiger held all four but not in the same year. I think only Bobby Jones himself has done something similar winning every major championship ,including us amateur and British amateur, open to him pre Masters. Maybe can’t count that. The sky is the limit for him but arguably he won’t have a better chance for further immortality. He has the mentality but things as simple as a competition draw can go against you. You are being incredibly harsh if not downright wrong about him. Without doubt he is one of the greatest players to have ever played the game. Yup right up there with the greats.

[greenlex]

You know what was great last night and quite refreshing. They have a no phones rule for spectators, sorry patrons. There’s no way of knowing what’s going on rather than looking at the old fashioned manual leaderboards dotted around the course. The anticipation of the crowds when a change was being made at the top was palpable. When it went up the cheers or groans were tremendous in equal measure. I’d love to see that rule in all tournaments. No one staring at their phones and just living the moment. Marvelous.

[JeMeSouviens]

Hes only the 6th player in the history of the game to win all four majors. The others with 3 haven't really even come close to doing it.

Regardless of how people see it, it was a huge burden which only got harder at each missed chance and as the time went on.

Mentality IS massive, but finishing 2nd and 3rd at majors isn’t weak Mentality. Getting over that hurdle is hard.

Anyway, no one can ever throw it at him again. Hes a legend of the game, an exclusive club of only 6.

Massive congratulations to Justin Rose too, as I mentioned, he played great golf and is a top guy. All in all, a great tournament and Sunday was brilliant.

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If a Hibs fan can't see that, nobody can! :agree:

[greenlex]

If a Hibs fan can't see that, nobody can! :agree:

Can you imagine the pressure if he wins the USPGA at Quail Hollow in 4 weeks time and the US Open the following month?
He would be playing The Open trying to be the first person ever to hold all four major titles in a calendar year and of all places round Royal Portrush in his home Country of Northern Ireland. Not quite the pressure that’s been building for 11 years but would be something else yet again.

[BroxburnHibee]

I've found the whole 'heavy burden/heartbreak' narrative around McIlroy a bit tiresome. After a whirlwind early few years, he just hasn't been quite good enough to land that final slam until now. Mentality is as important as talent for players at that level and he's simply been found wanting at the key moments.

I think that's incredibly harsh. He's had 11 years of mounting pressure every time The Masters came around. I think his reaction when the winning putt went in and the release of all that emotion shows what it meant.

How the hell he could play golf under that pressure is unreal.

[DaveF]

He's here in contrary opinion shocker 😂

[McD]

I could be completely off here, I’m sure someone will correct me if I am, but, in the generation following Tiger and Phil Mickelson, RM is about the only one I can think of that’s maintained such a high standard over the last decade or so. Plenty others have shone briefly then faded, but he always seemed to be there or thereabouts in the majors, and the Ryder Cup.

[Hibspur]

I think you have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. To nail the slam he had to be the best player on one single week of the year against the very best players in the world. It took him 11 tries to do it. It’s absolutely to do with mentality in his case as he has consistently been one or if not the best player in the world that whole time. It’s to do with mentality but the pressure on him to do it is unequalled in the game in recent years with the exception of Mickelson and Spieth. The fact that players of that calibre haven’t done it and I doubt Mickelson will now and I don’t think Spieth has actually maintained his game to do it over a similar timescale speaks volumes to McIlroys resilience determination and talent to finally get the job done. The way he done it magnifies that very mentality. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t win a good few majors before he retires from competitive golf. In fact with The Open being back at Royal Portrush ( a course he has the record round) in Northern Ireland that will be a great opportunity to add that. Quail Hollow next up for the USPGA as well. A course he has won multiple times round. Could a grand Slam in a year be on and hold all four titles at the same time. Tiger held all four but not in the same year. I think only Bobby Jones himself has done something similar winning every major championship ,including us amateur and British amateur, open to him pre Masters. Maybe can’t count that. The sky is the limit for him but arguably he won’t have a better chance for further immortality. He has the mentality but things as simple as a competition draw can go against you. You are being incredibly harsh if not downright wrong about him. Without doubt he is one of the greatest players to have ever played the game. Yup right up there with the greats.

I'm not convinced when you compare him with Woods, Nicklaus, Player or the greatest of them all, Hogan.

The first three completed their slams in their 20s and all won multiple majors throughout their peak years. Gary Player also won majors across three successive decades. McIlroy hasn't just had an issue with the Masters, he'd failed to win a single major in well over a decade prior to yesterday.

In Sarazen and Hogan's day, the USPGA was a matchplay tournament (with two rounds of strokeplay qualifying), which meant that you could end up playing over 200 holes of golf to win it. Hogan tended to give it a miss due to the demands on his body after a life-threatening car crash. He also only played one solitary Open Championship and won it (basically to prove a point). Had he not been so badly injured and played more PGAs and Opens not one of the others could have held a candle to him.

I don't think it's too harsh to suggest McIlroy hasn't had what it takes compared to the relentless mental focus these guys had. But that's not to take away from the fact he's finally completed the full slam tally.

[Hibspur]

I think that's incredibly harsh. He's had 11 years of mounting pressure every time The Masters came around. I think his reaction when the winning putt went in and the release of all that emotion shows what it meant.

How the hell he could play golf under that pressure is unreal.

He didn't win any other majors in that time either though. Suggests the pressure wasn't just about the Masters. He had the talent but not the ironclad will to win.

[Pagan Hibernia]

I wouldn't be surprised if the floodgates open for him now.

Relax, enjoy his golf and his talent could take him to many more majors in the next few years

[greenlex]

I'm not convinced when you compare him with Woods, Nicklaus, Player or the greatest of them all, Hogan.

The first three completed their slams in their 20s and all won multiple majors throughout their peak years. Gary Player also won majors across three successive decades. McIlroy hasn't just had an issue with the Masters, he'd failed to win a single major in well over a decade prior to yesterday.

In Sarazen and Hogan's day, the USPGA was a matchplay tournament (with two rounds of strokeplay qualifying), which meant that you could end up playing over 200 holes of golf to win it. Hogan tended to give it a miss due to the demands on his body after a life-threatening car crash. He also only played one solitary Open Championship and won it (basically to prove a point). Had he not been so badly injured and played more PGAs and Opens not one of the others could have held a candle to him.

I don't think it's too harsh to suggest McIlroy hasn't had what it takes compared to the relentless mental focus these guys had. But that's not to take away from the fact he's finally completed the full slam tally.
Absolutely he is. The competition and standard of player these days is so much better than back in the day. I will concede the equipment etc is better and possibly easier but the competition level is much much better than back then but equipment the same for competing players no matter what era they are competing against each other. I certainly think it’s much harder to consistently win majors today than back then. I don’t understand the thought that McIlroy has no comparible mental focus. Given what I’ve already said Id argue he’s even more focused and certainly more resilient possibly Hogan apart with his health issues. Absolutely up there with the greats.
Hogan won all his majors in a 7 year period and absolutely would have won more if the accident didn’t happen.
No one can compare to woods and Nicklaus IMO but McIlroy is still at the top of his game and still years left in him to get closer.

[He's here!]

Absolutely he is. The competition and standard of player these days is so much better than back in the day. I will concede the equipment etc is better and possibly easier but the competition level is much much better than back then but equipment the same for competing players no matter what era they are competing against each other. I certainly think it’s much harder to consistently win majors today than back then. I don’t understand the thought that McIlroy has no comparible mental focus. Given what I’ve already said Id argue he’s even more focused and certainly more resilient possibly Hogan apart with his health issues. Absolutely up there with the greats.
Hogan won all his majors in a 7 year period and absolutely would have won more if the accident didn’t happen.
No one can compare to woods and Nicklaus IMO but McIlroy is still at the top of his game and still years left in him to get closer.

Without a doubt. That's not something which can be brushed off. If you're a remotely competent golfer it's now actually hard to hit a truly bad/destructive shot, so forgiving is the equipment. Compare that to to the days of Nicklaus, Player, Watson, Palmer, Trevino etc (my dad used to watch the young Tony Jacklin when he lived near Potter's Bar and says he should have been more regularly in that company but that his short putting destroyed him!) and the phenomenal artistry required to shape a shot when anything slightly off the sweet spot would land you in bother. These guys were also playing more unforgiving courses, particularly links. As such only the very best were regularly competing for the biggest prizes. These days I think it's more a case of never mind the quality feel the width, with so many identikit golfers battling for supremacy. McIlroy is one of the few who has something more to offer, granted, but he really shouldn't have taken 12 years to win another major.

It's easy to let nostalgia colour your views, but when I used to go to watch those guys at the Open back in the 70s you just had to marvel at the way they could control a shot, often off bone dry lies with barely a blade of grass on them. It's a wholly different experience now, which is why you see the likes of Old Course no longer really being a proper test for drivers with the power of a cannon.

[greenlex]

Without a doubt. That's not something which can be brushed off. If you're a remotely competent golfer it's now actually hard to hit a truly bad/destructive shot, so forgiving is the equipment. Compare that to to the days of Nicklaus, Player, Watson, Palmer, Trevino etc (my dad used to watch the young Tony Jacklin when he lived near Potter's Bar and says he should have been more regularly in that company but that his short putting destroyed him!) and the phenomenal artistry required to shape a shot when anything slightly off the sweet spot would land you in bother. These guys were also playing more unforgiving courses, particularly links. As such only the very best were regularly competing for the biggest prizes. These days I think it's more a case of never mind the quality feel the width, with so many identikit golfers battling for supremacy. McIlroy is one of the few who has something more to offer, granted, but he really shouldn't have taken 12 years to win another major.

It's easy to let nostalgia colour your views, but when I used to go to watch those guys at the Open back in the 70s you just had to marvel at the way they could control a shot, often off bone dry lies with barely a blade of grass on them. It's a wholly different experience now, which is why you see the likes of Old Course no longer really being a proper test for drivers with the power of a cannon.
The players were and are all competing with similar equipment. Skill mindset and determination etc are the only metric that are equivalent. The equipment today helps so much more an average player get lucky (there are many average pros with one major an d a few wins on tour and little else) that it could be argued that McIlroys record is even more remarkable.
Also remember courses have been lengthened and greens much much faster than they’ve ever been with advances in conditioning.

[Smartie]

I could be completely off here, I’m sure someone will correct me if I am, but, in the generation following Tiger and Phil Mickelson, RM is about the only one I can think of that’s maintained such a high standard over the last decade or so. Plenty others have shone briefly then faded, but he always seemed to be there or thereabouts in the majors, and the Ryder Cup.

I think you’re spot on… and that this adds to the record of heartache and therefore magnitude of the achievement.

Rory’s never gone away. He’s competed in all of these majors with a realistic chance of winning, so there was an appropriate level of disappointment every time he fell short, whether that was a mile short or a missed short putt short.

Jordan Speith and Phil Mickelson are both one short of the career slam iirc. Mickelson’s ship has surely now sailed and Speith’s level has dropped off a bit in recent years. They don’t get spoken about as much as Rory because they haven’t been as consistently strong. Well, Phil did have peak Tiger to think about tbf…

[AugustaHibs]

When it’s like that, golf is the greatest game in the world - nothing close.

Apart from maybe 2016, I don’t think I’ve ever been on such a rollercoaster as I was for those 6 hours on Sunday. Unmatched.

[Hibspur]

When it’s like that, golf is the greatest game in the world - nothing close.

Apart from maybe 2016, I don’t think I’ve ever been on such a rollercoaster as I was for those 6 hours on Sunday. Unmatched.

I tend to regard golf as quite a relaxing watch as it doesn't really bother me who wins. I'd probably have preferred Justin Rose to win as it may be one of his last chances to do so but I didn't lose any sleep over it.

Andy Murray, US Open 2012 and Wimbledon 2013 though...THAT'S entering Scottish Cup 2016 territory for me!

[Hibspur]

Absolutely he is. The competition and standard of player these days is so much better than back in the day. I will concede the equipment etc is better and possibly easier but the competition level is much much better than back then but equipment the same for competing players no matter what era they are competing against each other. I certainly think it’s much harder to consistently win majors today than back then. I don’t understand the thought that McIlroy has no comparible mental focus. Given what I’ve already said Id argue he’s even more focused and certainly more resilient possibly Hogan apart with his health issues. Absolutely up there with the greats.
Hogan won all his majors in a 7 year period and absolutely would have won more if the accident didn’t happen.
No one can compare to woods and Nicklaus IMO but McIlroy is still at the top of his game and still years left in him to get closer.

Even after the accident he won the 'triple crown' of Masters, Open and US Open in 1953 and was only prevented from playing in the PGA because it overlapped with his travel schedule for Carnoustie. He was regarded as a golfing god who didn't really compete with his opponents, focusing solely on realising his own meticulously plotted ambitions (and latterly learning to accommodate the legacy of his injuries). The fact he played and won just that solitary Open at one of its most demanding venues cements his place as the greatest of all in my view. Without wishing to belittle McIlroy's success, the fact he must have played between 40 and 50 majors since his previous win before finally ending the drought on Sunday puts him a fair bit down the list of all-time greats.

[JimBHibees]

Thought Paul McGinleys comments just after he won about Rory being a divisive character were ridiculous. Do they have some personal beef?

[He's here!]

Thought Paul McGinleys comments just after he won about Rory being a divisive character were ridiculous. Do they have some personal beef?

McIlroy was a bit of a marmite character in his early days. I've never really warmed to him. I thought McGinley was referring more to the criticism he's had for the long major drought though?

[Smartie]

Thought Paul McGinleys comments just after he won about Rory being a divisive character were ridiculous. Do they have some personal beef?

I'm surprised to see McGinley taking stick for that comment because if anything, he's been one of Rory's greatest cheerleaders over the years, as he is with most European players.

McIlroy has been particularly outspoken when it comes to the LIV stuff, so I expect that was what he was mainly getting at. If you ever click onto "LIV friendly" sort of threads on facebook, especially something reporting Rory being outspoken on the subject, the amount of criticism piled on him is quite astounding.

[JeMeSouviens]

Thought Paul McGinleys comments just after he won about Rory being a divisive character were ridiculous. Do they have some personal beef?

https://www.rte.ie/sport/golf/2025/0414/1507573-champions-heady-brew-should-be-everyones-cup-of-tea/

Suggests McGinley was referencing that some folk in Ireland and N Ireland don't like that Rory has tried to stay on the fence in terms of national identity. I don't think there's any question McGinley is personally delighted for him.

[AugustaHibs]

Thought Paul McGinleys comments just after he won about Rory being a divisive character were ridiculous. Do they have some personal beef?

Total helmet of a guy.

On Friday/saturday when Rory hit out the pine straws over the water on 13 to 6 feet his first reaction was to call it stupidity rather than excellence.

[Just_Jimmy]

Thought Paul McGinleys comments just after he won about Rory being a divisive character were ridiculous. Do they have some personal beef?Mcginley is a total slaver. Sooner sky punt him the better.

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[Greenbeard]

I'm surprised to see McGinley taking stick for that comment because if anything, he's been one of Rory's greatest cheerleaders over the years, as he is with most European players.

McIlroy has been particularly outspoken when it comes to the LIV stuff, so I expect that was what he was mainly getting at. If you ever click onto "LIV friendly" sort of threads on facebook, especially something reporting Rory being outspoken on the subject, the amount of criticism piled on him is quite astounding.

There are LIV friendly threads?

[Smartie]

There are LIV friendly threads?

Unbelievably, yes.

Large crossover with pro-Trump, vaccine denial mindsets etc.

To begin with I’d read them, post after post eviscerating Rory and wondering what was wrong with people.

Then as the years went by, the number of subjects where the content and sentiment was similar grew, and I learned to skip past…

[Hibspur]

Mcginley is a total slaver. Sooner sky punt him the better.

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I've just read what he said and not sure what's so controversial about it? It seems fair comment to point out that McIlroy's not everyone's cup of tea. No successful sportsman or woman is universally liked.

[JimBHibees]

I've just read what he said and not sure what's so controversial about it? It seems fair comment to point out that McIlroy's not everyone's cup of tea. No successful sportsman or woman is universally liked.

To me the timing of it was utterly bizarre literally seconds after a phenomenal personal achievement to be brining up how divisive a character he was. Think even McGinley has admitted that.

[Smartie]

To me the timing of it was utterly bizarre literally seconds after a phenomenal personal achievement to be brining up how divisive a character he was. Think even McGinley has admitted that.

Yep, it's probably appropriate to acknowledge McGinley as having maybe "misspoken" - probably poorly chosen words at a particular moment. It happens.

Doesn't change the fact that he was actually right, even if he shouldn't have said that, there and then.

[Just_Jimmy]

I've just read what he said and not sure what's so controversial about it? It seems fair comment to point out that McIlroy's not everyone's cup of tea. No successful sportsman or woman is universally liked.Tbf, i didn't take what he said like that at the time.

My comment is in general. I cant stand mcginley.

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