Rory McIlroy, pictured ahead of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, has endured a tough 2025 (Image: Getty)
Golf stars have disagreed over prospects for 2025 amid bold claims he could finally land a fifth major title at McIlroy once again failed to add to his tally of four majors this year.
He looked set to end his decade-long wait at the US Open in June, only for a to hand the title to Bryson DeChambeau. McIlroy took that loss badly, storming away from Pinehurst without congratulating the victor and performing media duties. He subsequently congratulated DeChambeau privately.
Following numerous other near misses in majors, it is feared the Northern Irishman’s quest for another of top prizes will only get tougher. McIlroy fell just short in another tournament recently, losing in the play-off at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
But the winner on that occasion, Billy Horschel, who is good friends with McIlroy, sees no reason why the 35-year-old cannot enjoy a stellar 2025. And he wouldn’t be surprised if he secures the one major that has so far eluded him, the Masters.
“Looking ahead, I do believe something great is going to happen to Rory”, said Horschel, reported
“The way Rory’s handled this year and for not cracking following those like Bryson [DeChambeau], who got in his way at the US Open and then what unfolded for him at the Irish Open [another tournament he just failed to close out] and then the week later at Wentworth. It’s why I feel next year could be a really incredible year for Rory”.
Pressed on whether the first major of the year at Augusta could be the time, Horschel added: “I hope so for Rory’s sake. I know too well no-one deserves anything in this game and you must deserve it. But you look at what Rory has done in the game of golf, it deserves to win golf’s grand slam.”
Rory McIlroy and Billy Horschel embrace after the latter’s victory at the BMW PGA Championship (Image: Getty)
However, four-time major champion and ex-PGA Tour star Ernie Els is struggling to see McIlroy ending his major drought anytime soon. Per the the South African said: “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.”
Els believes adding more control to his game would help McIlroy in high-pressure moments, adding: “He has to hit softer cut shots with his short irons. I’m sure I’ve said that to him, get absolute control. When you have that much power, you need to get control of the ball with a little cut spin.”
has no such doubts though, insisting it is a case of when, not if, McIlroy finally gets to don the famous Green Jacket. Speaking ahead of this year’s Masters, Woods said: “No question, he’ll do it at some point. Rory’s too talented, too good.
“He’s going to be playing this event for a very long time. He’ll get it done. It’s just a matter of when.”