Rory McIlroy: poised for a strong 2014

When Rory McIlroy looks back on his career after finally hanging up his golfing shoes, the year 2013 won’t be a particular highlight. At the end of 2012, the world was his oyster – he’d just won the DP World Tour Championship for his fifth victory of the season, which saw him become only the second player in history to win the PGA and European Tour money lists in the same season. It was always going to be a struggle to reach such lofty heights again, but no one could have anticipated such a tumultuous 2013. The Ulsterman looked a shell of his former self for 11 months of the year, but, when he looks back, only one week will linger prominently in the memory.

Fickle game

As is frequently touted, golf is a capricious game. So many variables come into play, especially when you’re hailed as a phenomenon and labelled as someone with the ability to make an indelible stamp in the game’s history books. The pressure on McIlroy’s shoulders this season was enormous, and whilst he struggled badly with expectation levels and a range of other factors, his victory at the Australian Open – his last tournament of 2013 – will ensure all those issues are confined to the memory bank. Starting the final round four shots behind Adam Scott - a man who was vying to become only the second player to win the Australian triple-crown – he compiled a final-round 65 to edge out the reigning Masters champion and record his first victory of the season.

It was extremely gratifying to wake up this morning and hear news of the Northern Irishman’s triumph. As much as you feel for Scott, McIlroy has had to deal with so much criticism - some unfounded - this season. He may have made some questionable decisions and said some things he perhaps shouldn’t have, but fundamentally he’s an extremely affable young man who is still finding his way in the world. Living your life under such scrutiny is a tough thing to get accustomed to, especially for someone so young, and I’m glad he’s come through. Yes, his win came in a second-string tournament during a time of year considered to be the off season, but the knock-on effects could be hugely significant. McIlroy now has momentum going into the new season and a positive spin to put on a year marred by off-course controversy, a serious lack of form and questions pertaining to his mental disposition. Golf is a funny game, and all it takes is one week to completely change the course of a career. That statement doesn’t necessarily apply to McIlroy, as his lull was always going to be a temporary thing, but the bottom line is that he’ll garner a huge amount of confidence as he prepares for 2014.  

Perspective and maturity

McIlroy’s comments in the wake of his victory were also interesting to hear, and offered yet more encouragement. “Since the end of September I’ve just felt in a better place and a better place mentally with some things off the course. Golf’s a long career and I’m 24 years old. I get a little impatient at times and if I actually just took a step back and look at the bigger picture, it hasn’t been too bad a year. Adam [Scott] is a true gentleman and he’s a credit to the game and also a credit to his country. I’m just lucky I was able to come out on top today,” said McIlroy.

The above statement offers an insight into the psyche of McIlroy, and reveals that he’s learnt some lessons from his struggles this season. Life is a big learning curve, and whilst there are ups and downs, it’s important to make sure you learn from your mistakes. Encouragingly, McIlroy seems to have done that. What’s more, his comments also reveal a level of maturity, level-headedness and perspective, which will only stand him in good stead as he bids to challenge Tiger Woods’ ascendancy atop the Official World Golf Ranking.

Many youngsters who do well early in their careers can, understandably, have a tendency to think success comes easy; to take their foot off the pedal and not work as hard as they possibly can. Whilst seasons like the one endured by McIlroy aren’t pleasant for the player, for fans or for the golfing community as a whole, they serve as a poignant reminder that success is hard-earned, and that nothing comes your way without graft, work ethic and desire to be the best. McIlroy, who was perhaps becoming a touch arrogant in 2012, seems to have fully grasped this lesson. Going forward, I think we’ll continue to see the immense skill to which we’ve become accustomed underpinned by hard work, application and efforts to stay out of the limelight where possible.

First Nike win

Another factor that will stand McIlroy in good stead is the fact that he’s got a significant period of time to get used to his new equipment. Last season, the nature of his commercial agreement meant he had to make the switch from Titleist to Nike far quicker than he’d have liked. At the top level, equipment is so personal and highly customised that it takes a long time to hone. It was that switch, and the scale of the Nike contract, that put immediate pressure on McIlroy to perform with his new gear. In my view, that was the catalyst for most of the other troublesome issues that arose in 2013. Yes, a high-profile celebrity girlfriend and management problems presented problems in their own right, but having to cope with astronomic expectation levels, new equipment and the scrutiny brought about from world’s most lucrative sporting contract would have facilitated a fair dose of inner turmoil for the majority of people on the planet. Now, he’s notched a first win with Nike clubs and has a month in the off-season to continue to get accustomed to the new gear in his bag.

McIlroy’s troubles this season have been so well documented, but victory in Australia will bring unquantifiable benefits to the Ulsterman. He’s endured a number of lows, but one week has put his career right back on track. The 24-year-old has learnt a series of valuable lesson this year, and despite all the troubles, the enduring legacy from 2013 will be one of positivity. He’s won with Nike equipment, he’s shown mental strength and resilience in the face of adversity and his game is in as good shape heading into the new season. Golf is inherently and increasing difficult to predict, but I’d be very surprised if McIlroy didn’t add to his major tally in 2014.

Image Credit - Australian Open Facebook

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