McIlroy: Lower expectation is a good thing

The Ulsterman is focused on making up for lost time as he chases the elusive career grand slam

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland follows his shot on the 18th hole during the first round of the Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio on March 31, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

LIFE was sweeter than ice cream for Rory McIlroy in the first half of 2015. He was the reigning Open and US PGA champion, had finished a career-best fourth at the Masters and posted a Top 10 at a quirky US Open at Chambers Bay. He won the Dubai Desert Classic, WGC Match Play and Wells Fargo Championship – which included a course-record 61 – by late May. Form was not so temporary.

It seemed inevitable McIlroy would make a serious tilt at defending the Claret Jug at the Old Course at St Andrews, a venue he adores. Cue an extraordinary social media bulletin on July 6 confirming McIlroy had ruptured left ankle ligaments playing football. He has not played the game since. “And deliberately,” he says. “I don’t want to do that again. I pride myself on not making the same mistake twice. I have played other things but never football because that could happen.” He provides only half a smile.