Former world No.1 Ernie Els has explained to under-pressure Rory McIlroy how the Northern Irishman can bury his demons and return to his best by taking a leaf out of Tiger Woods’ book.
It’s been another disappointing season for McIlroy, whose wait for a first major since 2014 looks set to extend into its 11th year, having once again failed to take any of the top titles this term.
He came mightily close at the US Open earlier in 2024 when a final-day collapse on the Pinehurst No 2 course gifted Bryson DeChambeau the title in North Carolina.
McIlroy’s form has picked up towards the backend of the year, most notably last weekend when he finished second behind Billy Horschel at the PGA Championship in Surrey.
But, now well into his mid-thirties, there’s a fear the best McIlroy might’ve missed out on fulfilling his potential – something Els is keen to make sure isn’t the case.
Speaking to MyGolfSpy, Els said: “It’s not going to get easier, that’s for sure. Pinehurst, that is going to sting for a long time. Mentally, we’re going to have to see. When that little bit of doubt creeps in, it’s hard to get it out. I’ve been there many times. You beat yourself up.
“He hit the wrong club at 15. 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.”
And on what McIlroy could do to help take small steps to refind his form, the South African added: “He has to hit softer cut shots with his short irons. I’m sure I’ve said that to him. Get absolute control.
“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.”
McIlroy has spoken out about his difficulties this year, commenting after the weekend event: “Look, it’s golf and I’m playing well. These things happen.” Before later making the worrying admission that “the game is testing me.”
He continued: “All I can do is keep showing up and trying to play the golf that I’ve been playing and sooner or later it’s going to end up in a win. The nice thing is there’s next year and the year after and the year after and the year after.
“If you think of my career as a 30-year journey, it’s only one year in a 30-year journey, and hopefully the other 29 are a little more productive or a little bit better.
“I have certainly had years where I’ve felt worse. When you get yourself in contention so much, inevitably you’re going to have disappointments. Unfortunately, I’m just getting a little too used to feeling what it’s like when you do and hopefully that tide will turn.”
