Paul McGinley: "We can't dismiss Rory McIlroy"
- Kevin Palmer
- 16 June 2021
Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley believes Rory McIlroy could end his long wait for a major title at this week's US Open.
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Rory McIlroy has not won a major title since 2014 and his form over the course of this year has been indifferent, but Sky Sports analyst McGinley suggests the Irishman's game could be perfectly suited to the demanding Torrey Pines course.
While McIlroy's work with renowned swing coach Pete Cowan is ongoing, McGinley has insisted the former world No.1 will win again in the biggest tournaments of them all.
"Something goes off in Rory's head and he just clicks in and all of a sudden he goes," stated McGinley. "He is like a horse with blinkers on and he is gone and flying.
"We know it can turn around so quickly with Rory. He has been mediocre at times and that is frustrating to watch, but then he can turn it around very quickly and he is hard to stop.
"I'd say there is still a bit of bedding down with his swing coach Pete Cowan and that may need some time. His driving is not as consistent as he would like, but his short game is looking good. He won a tournament a few weeks ago with his short game and he is putting well.
"We haven't seen him dominate from tee to green since he started working with Pete, but we have to give that relationship time.
"You certainly can't dismiss Rory McIlroy this week. He has pretty decent form around this course. It is long and needs a big hitter to take it on, so it should suit Rory if he finds a bit of form.
"He is still at an age where he will challenge for a lot more majors and I'm sure he will get more in his career.
"Rory is still going through these changes with his golf swing. I don't know if his game is in the place that it needs to be to win a major this week, but you never know with him. He did win in Quail Hollow a few weeks ago, but he won very much with his short game that week.
"That said, Rory's had two top-fives in the last three years around here, so again, that's the type of player it suits. If Rory can find some form and he gets his new swing changes bedded in, this is a test that will really suit him."
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