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Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Rory McIlroy denied 'greatest' tag as Open challenge laid down to Masters champion
Rory McIlroy recently completed the Career Slam at the Masters but Sir Nick Faldo still views Seve Ballesteros as Europe's greatest player, challenging the Northern Irishman to win another Major Seve Ballesteros still ranks above Rory McIlroy as Europe's greatest golfer, according to Sir Nick Faldo. But the six-time Major winner believes the Ulsterman can change that by winning his home Open with the help of the crowd - and then adding more big titles in 'another Major winning career'. McIlroy, 36, became the first European to ever complete the career Grand Slam with his emotional Masters win. He has now won five Majors - the same as Ryder Cup legend Ballesteros - and one behind Faldo. The Sky Sports Golf analyst said: 'It is always debated on the numbers but I would put him past me. Whether he has won the battle against Seve? Seve won a lot of tournaments - about 50 in Europe and five Majors. "So I think Seve paved the way for so many different things so I would put him a smidgen behind Seve right now.' But Faldo added: 'I think what Rory has done is incredible and he will probably do even more. He has the opportunity. His uniqueness is to go 11 years between Majors. And if he carries on doing more, he will be the only one ever to do that. That will be a phenomenal achievement, wouldn't it? "Having another Major winning career would be absolutely incredible. He has the opportunity which would put him into a different category.' The 153rd Open is the biggest sporting event in Northern Ireland's history. McIlroy missed the cut here in 2019 after taking an eight on the first hole. 'He's here with unbelievable support,' added the three-time Open champion. 'They've got record crowds who love him. Whether he can channel that or whether it's: 'Can I have a bit of peace? 'I think he's going to be very conscious that there is so much going on around him. But if he can get inside the ropes and starts off nicely. Obviously he's going to have unbelievable support but just because you have support, it doesn't mean you are going to hit a great golf shot. "You've got to do all the work as a golfer and you and your caddie are going to have to work hard. I don't know if it is going to be a help or a hindrance to be really honest. 'I think he has settled down since the Masters and I think the fact that he played nicely last week is probably going to be a help. I bet he can't wait to just get started. Hopefully he hits a better tee shot than last time.' McIlroy refused to speak to the media after all four rounds at the US PGA. Faldo added: I don't know the reasons behind it, but no, he obviously, something rattled him and he, said a few weird and wonderful things, but I guess he's settled down Watch live coverage of The 153rd Open from Royal Portrush exclusively on Sky Sports and NOW from Thursday 17 July.
Irish Daily Star
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Star
Rory McIlroy to skip tournament for 'reset' after Shane Lowry title defense doesn't go to plan
After a taxing April and a victory at the Masters, Rory McIlroy has decided to sit out the CJ Cup Byron Nelson this week to rest up. The Northern Irishman is planning some downtime after competing at the Zurich Classic with Shane Lowry. McIlroy kicked off the month by triumphantly completing the Career Slam at Augusta National, where he edged out Justin Rose in an edge-of-your-seat play-off, rounding out his collection of Major titles. But instead of basking in the win, he got right back into action with Lowry at the Zurich Classic. Despite high hopes , the pairing could only muster a 12th-place tie. McIlroy is taking a breather before approaching the Truist Championship as preparation for the looming PGA Championship. Read More Related Articles How Rory McIlroy's earnings and smart investments outshine Conor McGregor's wealth Read More Related Articles Jordan Spieth's PGA Tour rival's fate after he 'ruined his life' "I've got to just take a little bit of time here," McIlroy commented. "It's nice to have a week off, and reset and try to get some practice in. "I feel like it's like two practice weeks coming up in a way, with next week at home and then Truist, as well, in some ways. Yeah, I'm looking forward to a couple of days off and then sort of kicking the feet up and trying to recharge the batteries a little bit." Although McIlroy and Lowry were vying for the title initially, their challenge faded in the final round, ultimately finishing six strokes shy of the victors Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin. "It's been a fun week," McIlroy shared. "I think when we went back out after the delay, we felt like we still had a good chance, and we didn't make birdie on 11, and then we bogeyed 13 again for the second time this week. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry had a fun week together despite coming tied for 12th (Image: (Image: Getty)) "Yeah, just didn't really have any momentum from when we started back up again, and it was difficult to just sort of get anything. Overall, it's been a good week. It's always good to team up with this man. We've had fun." Earlier in the week, with a touch of humor, Lowry expressed surprise at McIlroy's commitment to playing in New Orleans, but affirmed they had a positive week despite not finishing strong. Reflecting on the tournament, the Irish golfer remarked, "I think we played all right, just today nothing really happened for us, and then after the delay, everything that could go wrong did go wrong. I had a great week. I'm happy my man came here this week, and we had a great time, and it was fun."
