Remember how we used to take multiple mock tests before actually giving the original test? Well, Rory McIlroy has the opportunity to do the same this week at the Texas Children’s Houston Open. With the Masters knocking on the door, a crucial time lies ahead for Rory McIlroy. At Augusta, the Irishman will not only try to win his first green jacket and fifth major title. Additionally, it might also mark the beginning of his redemption arc after being called an ‘almost guy. Interestingly, the 8x PGA Tour winner, Billy Horschel has found another interesting insight that might change the game for McIlroy.

Recently, Billy Horschel appeared on the Sky Sports Golf podcast, where they discussed Rory McIlroy’s participation in the Masters. The host pointed out that McIlroy is part of the field this week. Additionally, he pointed out how Memorial Park serves as a good practice for the Masters. Horschel agreed, and while nodding his head, he went on explaining how this is a good thing for the Irishman.

He said, “I think it’s a really good designed golf course for Rory. When Rory talked to me about it when we were talking about the schedule last year, earlier this year, I think he mentioned playing in Houston. And I said, ‘Man, this course is right up your alley.'” Hoschel added, “Obviously, there is a distant bias. there are a lot of holes you can hit, and I would suspect Rory’s got a very good chance to win.” 

Despite the greens favoring the four-time major champion, they still pose a strong challenge. The eight-time PGA Tour winner didn’t deny that either and further added: “I know Scottie Scheffler is in the field…but the way Rory has been playing this year or where his game’s at wouldn’t shock me if he wins this week. And it is a good test. The greens are big and they have got some slope in them. Chipping around the greens, having to hit these hit chips up to the greens so it gets you ready for Augusta a little bit and yeah I think it’s gonna be a great test.”

As per Horschel, the Memorial Park GC has some features of the Augusta National, particularly the par-5 9th hole, Carolina Cherry, which features a distinctive green that slopes from back to front.

It’s been a decade since Rory McIlroy won a major after the 2014 PGA Championship. Fast forward to the 2024 US Open, the Irishman was incredibly close to winning. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Additionally, it also became one of his major blunders that the community still talks about.

Coming into this year, McIlroy is in good form. Now, especially with wins at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and THE PLAYERS Championship. He can not only win his fifth major title but can complete his career grand slam as well. However, there are more hurdles that are stopping the Irishman from doing so.

What’s stopping Rory McIlroy from winning another major?

“We’ll be talking about the misses by Rory McIlroy at 16 and 18 forever,” said Brandel Chamblee remarked after McIlroy lost to Bryson DeChambeau last year. And, guess what? He wasn’t wrong. After the mishap at the US Open, not only McIlroy but his caddie, Harry Diamond also had to face a lot of heat. Many also argued that it’s time, the Irishman should consider changing his longtime friend caddie. Recently, former world #16 Nick O’Hern also talked about the same with Mark Allen on the Talk Birdie to Me podcast.

He said, “Rory has two more Majors, right now he doesn’t ’cause it’s not the fifth Majors, obviously. This year, Rory needs to do two things if he wants to win a Major.” Yes, he was talking about the caddie switcheroo.

Chamblee talked about Billy Foster‘s split with Matt Fitzpatrick. He used that example to suggest golfers have Foster on their bags. He further added, “Now, Harry, who caddies for Rory and, as we know, is one of his best mates and he does a very good job. However, in those crucial clutch moments, that’s when you need someone who’s got the experience, who’s got the answer for the game, the feel that can sense it.” 

However, the Irishman defended his friend last year, silencing much of the criticism. Do you think he will take this caddie change advice to win his fifth major title? Feel free to let us know in the comments below!