Rory, the only player in golf capable of competing with Tiger these days in the headlines, in his Press Conference yesterday declared that he is strongly considering taking up full membership of the PGA Tour in 2012. McIlroy told attending journalists: "I'm leaning towards taking my card here again - I'm comfortable in this country and I feel my game suits the courses."
He went on to reference his particularly favourite venues on the US circuit. "You play the MatchPlay, Honda, Doral, Masters. You have your favourite events, and most of my favourite events seem to be on this side of the pond."
As for his favourite courses? Well, Quail Hollow (where he claimed his first PGA Tour title in 2010) Muirfield Village, Augusta National and this weeks venue, Firestone, are all to the liking of the 22 year old.
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| Celebration at Quail Hollow in 2010 |
Okay, he still doesn't like the TPC at Sawgrass, but yesterday's comments, although not unexpected to many in his closest circle, do come as a surprise 12 months on after declaring that he "missed Europe" and that he found the US circuit (which he experimented with in 2010) "tiring and not for me." So why the sudden change of heart Rory?
It was my opinion that Rory went to the States too early. Having just just turned 21 and with only one professional title, the 09 Dubai Desert Classic, to declare in his curriculum vitae, it could be argued that McIlroy was too inexperienced to tackle the often lonely life of a European player on the PGA Tour. Sure, he had a great success in his rookie season, winning the Wells Fargo Championship with a closing 62 at the Quail HollowClub, often touted as one of the best and toughest courses on Tour. In fact it's stature is so great, it will host the PGA Championship in 6 years time. That closing 62 to win was one of the finest round witnessed in recent memory on the PGA Tour and offered him a whole new level of following in the US.
But that succesful taste of the PGA Tour for Rory wasn't enough to intice him for a second season in 2011. However, less than a year from that call to quit, he has made a u-turn that even a Prime Minister or President would be impressed by. What has changed in his life and game for him to make this turnaround?
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| Rory has courted recent controversy |
His incredible victory in June at Congressional, when he claimed the US Open by a remarkable 8 shots with a record low score of -16, put Rory into a completely different level of status, and not only that, but in his own self belief. Rory has quickly become the focus in Golf. Yes Tiger has largely retained that this week, but Rory has been the dominant golfing figure within the media now since Augusta. With the US Open title firmly in his cabinet, Rory has a whole new position in the game, and perhaps he feels he is now free to make his own decisions for his own game now. This new assertive attitude especially towards the media is a result of the events of Augusta National this year and its aftermath. Some of his comments have left a sour taste. Notably his online row with respected commentator Jay Townsend, and his seemingly petulant words regarding the Open. But we shouldn't focus too hard on these mishaps. He is a young man trying to deal with his new position in the game. Mistakes are easily made in the heat of the moment. Lets just hope he recieves suitable advice from his team. But clearly the US style golf courses and conditions suit him, so he has every right to make that call. He has also recently split up from his long term girlfriend, Holly Sweeney. Strains on their relationship last year was a factor in Rory calling time on his PGA Tour career. With his personal life a little more settled, he doesn't have any real ties to Europe or Northern Ireland, so setting up base in Florida wold be ideal for the free spirited McIlroy. He has also seen the success of good friend Graeme McDowell in the US, and it seems likely that Rory will inevitably live close to his friend. perhaps also taking up membership at the terrific Lake Nona Club.
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| Tiger and Rory - Coming to a PGA Tour event near you? |
Ultimately, Rory McIlroy's declaration is a massive boost for the PGA Tour, going into what is a crucial year for them. Television contracts with CBS and NBC are all up for renewal, and with Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem, now able to claim Rory as part of his brand, the contract on offer will be even more lucrative. McIlroy's victory at Congressional, has relatively speaking, given him a cult and Hollywood (no pun intended) status amongst the American Golfing Public. This sudden rush of delight within the Tour's executives was embodied yesterday in Andy Pazder, the executive vice president of the Tour, who commented: "Rory is an immense talent, a personable young man and would be an asset to the Tour. We are ecstatic about it. For a player to win the US Open by eight shots certainly captivated the fans in the US and around the world. So to have him as a member next year is very important."
The presence of Rory McIlroy alongside the return of Tiger Woods, could offer some incredible plotlines and coverage and would restore the PGA Tour, which has been bashed in many circles in recent times, as the Number 1 ticket in Golf.
Say what you will about this more outspoken and direct Rory McIlroy we have seen in recent weeks. We must remember that he is a very young man, trying to deal with the problems (allbeit welcome problems) that fame and success brings. I haven't agreed with a few of his comments, but lets just give him time to adjust into his new role in the game as arguably the second biggest star in golf, behind Woods, the man he hopes to contend against next season on the PGA Tour.
It will be a fascinating watch.
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