Golf’s greatest enigma remains unsolved. Rory McIlroy’s major drought persists, with heartbreak at the BMW PGA Championship still fresh. A thrilling playoff loss to Billy Horschel, his former rival-turned-friend, has rekindled questions about his ability to seal the deal. The Northern Irishman’s impressive resume features four major wins before 25. Now seems overshadowed by a growing list of near-misses. 

As the golf world searches for answers, a legendary peer has offered a candid assessment of his struggles. Alan Shipnuck, a renowned golf journalist, posed a thought-provoking question: what’s behind Rory McIlroy’s inability to win? Is it physical, mental, or something more profound? To find answers, Shipnuck turned to Ernie Els, the legendary South African golfer, as mentioned on Golf Spy.

“It’s not going to get easier, that’s for sure,” Els said, reflecting on McIlroy’s painful near-misses, including the 2024 US Open, Irish Open, and BMW PGA Championship loss. His words carry weight, given his own experiences with triumph and heartbreak. The 4-time major winner specifically highlighted McIlroy’s course management and mental toughness as areas for improvement.

“He hit the wrong club at 15,” Els noted, revisiting McIlroy’s U.S. Open collapse. “Driver was the wrong play on 18. He could have hit a 2-iron off the tee. And then to hit his pitch too hard and be above the hole, that was a terrible leave.” These strategic missteps, Els believes, stem from a deeper issue, and McIlroy needs to let go of his “reluctance.” “He needs to work on softer cut shots with his short irons,” the 54-year-old emphasized how the Northern Irishman can fill the holes of his game. 

The Big Easy, known for his silky smooth swing, also shared valuable insights from his own experience. Echoing the strategic prowess of Tiger Woods, Els emphasized the importance of precision over power. “I’m sure I’ve said that to him. Get absolute control,” he said. “There’s a reason Tiger played his best with a little soft cut. When you have that much power, you need to get control of the ball with a little cut spin.” 

Ernie Els’s advice echoes the sentiments of many golf analysts, who see McIlroy’s power and precision as a double-edged sword. His insights offer a valuable perspective. However, will Rory McIlroy heed his friend’s advice and address these vulnerabilities, or will the major drought persist? Only time can tell. Other notable voices and major champions have highlighted the psychological barriers he must overcome.

Golf’s greatest weigh-in on Rory McIlroy’s mental hurdles

Annika Sorenstam, a legendary 10-time major winner, offered a poignant perspective on McIlroy’s U.S. Open heartbreak. In an interview on SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio, Sorenstam attributed McIlroy’s miss to mental lapses rather than DeChambeau’s victory. “I would argue that Rory lost it rather than DeChambeau winning it. It’s not just about the technique; it’s about handling the intensity when everything is on the line,” she stated. Sorenstam’s words resonate deeply, given her own experiences with pressure and performance.

Despite McIlroy’s impressive 17 PGA Tour wins since his last major, the 2014 PGA Championship victory, his drought remains puzzling. Even legendary Jack Nicklaus couldn’t believe this drought. “Well, it’s been a while for him, but I’m a big Rory fan,” Nicklaus said. He praised McIlroy’s exceptional talent, citing his impressive golf swing and ability to execute remarkable shots. However, he noted, “I don’t know where he loses it at times. But, you know, he seems to not be able to focus all the way around.”

The world waits with bated breath for McIlroy’s next move, hoping he’ll silence his critics and reclaim his spot atop golf’s summit. What do you think of Ernie Els’s remarks?