by Rory McIlroy has no alternative but to take a stoic approach to a year of near misses. A different position would be problematic, not only for his mindset, but also for whoever or whatever is on hand at the end of tournaments. McIlroy thinks the dam will break soon.
The US Open was the most painful outcome of 2024 for the world number 3. At the Dubai Invitational, the Olympics, the Irish Open and now the PGA Championship, he has at least flirted with glory. Two victories, the last in Charlotte in May, seem to be a small reward for his overall level of golf.
Seven days after failing at Royal County Down, this time it was Billy Horschel who beat the Northern Irishman on the fourth day at Wentworth. It took two playoff holes – Thriston Lawrence was eliminated after one – for the American to meet McIlroy’s typically stiff challenge. Horschel won this event for the second time.
Related: Brian Huggett Obituary
All eyes, however, were inevitably drawn to McIlroy. On the final hole of regulation play, a birdie four would have ensured victory. From the center of the 18th fairway, he pulled his four-iron to the left. With the opportunity gone, McIlroy had to settle for 20 under par and extra holes.
In the first of these, Lawrence found water with his third to end his quest. McIlroy and Horschel exchanged four points.
Back at the tee, McIlroy and Horschel both found themselves with nearly 30 feet left after two hours. The first putt slipped terribly, Horschel rolled his.
If McIlroy is truly hurt from repeatedly getting close, he masks it exceptionally well.
“Look, it’s golf and I play well,” the 35-year-old said. “These things happen. It’s just that the game challenges me a little more than in the past, but that’s okay. All I can do is keep showing up and trying to play the golf I’ve been playing and sooner or later it’s going to end in a win.
“The good thing is there’s next year and the year after that and the year after that and the year after that. If you look at my career as a 30-year journey, it’s just one year of a 30-year journey, and I hope the other 29 are a little more productive or a little better. I’ve definitely had years where I felt worse.
“When you put yourself out there so much, you’re inevitably going to have disappointments. Unfortunately, I’m getting a little too accustomed to feeling what it’s like when you do it and hoping the tide will turn.
McIlroy will return to action in the Dunhill Links Championship before back-to-back events in the Middle East. The year at least seems destined to end in glory; he should win for the sixth time in the DP World Tour order of merit. “When I show up to a golf tournament, I kind of know that the field has to beat me to have a chance of winning,” he added. “That’s what it feels like. So it’s a very good position.
Horschel, with his West Ham golf bag, looks like an adopted Englishman. He will view this as an argument to Jim Furyk, who overlooked him for a spot on the U.S. Presidents Cup team.
“My heart was racing on the last two shots, the last two holes, and especially in the playoffs, but it’s always fun to be in those situations,” said Horschel, who won this event ago is three years old.
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“This is why we work so hard. This is what I have worked so hard for and this is what I always wanted, situations like this against the best players in the world and I hope I can prevail on that day. I was able to choke Rory and Thriston.
“It’s always one of my most special weeks of the year. I like coming here. I feel a sense of ease. I feel a sense of calm.
Matteo Manassero was down to 73, his 17 under leaving him three ahead of the playoff. Aaron Rai, who tied for the lead at one point, and Matthew Baldwin joined the Italian in fourth place.
