Start of congested spell gives new father a prime opportunity to land first major since 2014 at Winged Foot
We have learned a lot about Rory McIlroy in the past six years. The pursuit of digital minimalism, a passion for Ryan Holiday books and irritation at the countless assumptions made about his mindset have shone through. Arguably they have had to, thanks to a subtle switch in narrative.
McIlroy did not fuel discussion about domination of his sporting domain in 2014 because his clubs had done that for him. Back-to-back major wins – at the Open and US PGA Championships – had set him apart. He was within two of Nick Faldo’s majors haul of six and firmly on course to be labelled Europe’s greatest golfer before turning 30. A similar discussion involving a pantheon of greats for United Kingdom sportsmen wasn’t at all fanciful.
Related: US Open’s return to Winged Foot has Tiger Woods recalling sad memories
