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Amanda Balionis reveals she was shaking over Tiger Woods interview

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Amanda Balionis Tiger Woods PGA Tour

Amanda Balionis reveals she was left shaking over Tiger Woods interview which caused her to lose sleep

Amanda Balionis revealed that she was visibly shaking when she first interviewed Tiger Woods early into her days as a reporter for the PGA Tour.

Speaking to Links Magazine, Balionis recalled her first interview with the golf legend when asked which athlete she was most nervous to speak to.

8 questions with CBS Sports broadcaster Amanda Balionis

READ: Rory McIlroy sinks to new low as PGA Tour season falling apart after St. Jude Championship

‘Tiger Woods, for sure,’ she told the outlet. ‘When I started with, PGATour.com, I think Tiger was my second ever sit-down interview.

‘I’m very thankful the camera angle was from the waist up; my legs were shaking uncontrollably from nervousness. I lost a lot of sleep before that interview.’

With the 2024 golf season in hindsight, the respected journalist will be leaving the course and taking to the NFL sidelines for the upcoming season.

Despite not being as active, Woods remains the biggest name in the sport. Having revolutionized the sport with 15 major wins and 82 PGA Tour victories, Woods’ presence unsurprisingly shakes fans and media members alike.

Balionis would have a successful career as a golf reporter, making herself a valuable asset to CBS.

Besides the memorable Woods interview, she also recalled ‘The Dustin Johnson interview after he won the 2020 Masters when he got vulnerable with us.

‘Presiding over the trophy presentation after Phil Mickelson won the 2021 PGA Championship was unbelievable; understanding the historic element and witnessing the crowds ushering him up to the 72nd green. That’s an image I’ll never forget.”

As she puts on a different hat to cover American Football for the rest of the year, Balionis expressed her gratitude for everything that unfolded on the golf course this past season.

‘That’s officially a wrap on the 2024 @golfoncbs season! This year had it all. From historic moments to heart shattering events and every other emotion you can imagine in between,’ she wrote on Instagram.

‘I love this game. I love working in sports. Competing at the highest level requires and produces constant examples of inspiration, drama, unbridled joy, resilience, growth and teamwork.

‘It’s an honor to be a very small part of a tremendous team that brings these moments and stories to life each weekend,’ Balionis continued. ‘If we left you with one new favorite player, or one memorable moment you shared with loved ones then we have done our jobs. Catch ya on the NFL sidelines until next season!’

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GOLF

Rory McIlroy sinks to new low as PGA Tour season falling apart after St. Jude Championship

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Rory McIlroy PGA Tour

Rory McIlroy’s brutal season continued this past weekend after finishing tied 68th place at the FedEx St Jude Championship while struggling after naming himself ‘golf’s nearly man’

Rory McIlroy had one of the worst performances of his career at the FedEx St Jude Championship this past weekend in what can only be described as a worrying showing.

McIlroy finished in 68th place with Jordan Speith and Max Homa surprisingly playing just as poorly – the only two men to have finished below him. The Northern Irishman finished the tournament in Memphis with some worrying statistics, including having the second-worst driving week of his career (-4.015), the 21st-worst approach week of his career (-3.126), and the third-worst putting week of his career (-7.833).

Rory McIlroy has a simple mental tip that will transform your game

READ: Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler completely disagree as PGA Tour rule splits opinions

The world number three finished at nine-over-par – a whopping 26 shots more than winner Hideki Matsuyama to drop him to fifth in the FedEx Cup standings while being 3,974 points behind leader Scottie Scheffler.

McIlroy made only one birdie on Sunday with his brutal round including a triple-bogey six at the par-three 14th after he sent his tee shot flying into the water.

Earlier last week, McIlroy stated that he’d begin to think of himself as the sport’s ‘nearly man’ after his recent disappointments at the US Open and Olympics.

This coming after coming agonisingly close to ending his 10-year wait for another major tournament win after he bogeyed three of his last four holes including missing a two-foot putt as Bryson DeChambeau won his second US Open. Just weeks later, McIlroy looked to be in line to win a medal for Ireland at the Olympics but ultimately fell to shots short.

Speaking prior to the FedEx St Jude Championship in Memphis, Tennessee, McIlroy told reporters: ” I just have to finish off tournaments better. There’s been glimpses where I have done it, like Quail Hollow, for example, but obviously US Open, you know, Olympics.

“Yeah, I just, it’s just sort of, I feel like this year, maybe the last couple of years, I’ve just found a way to hit the wrong shot at the wrong time. That might go into preparation and trying to practice a little more under pressure at home. You know, you go through these things in golf, and you go through these little challenges, and you just have to try to figure out a way to get through it.

“And my challenge right now is, is that it’s, it’s really good, but not quite good enough to to sort of take home the silverware,” he continued, as he acknowledged that he has been doing some soul searching. “So it’s just, you know, something I’m having to work through.”

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GOLF

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler completely disagree as PGA Tour rule splits opinions

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Scottie Scheffler ory McIlroy PGA Tour FedEx Cup

For all his dominance in 2024, Scottie Scheffler can be toppled by the likes of Rory McIlroy in the PGA Tour play-offs – which unsurprisingly splits their opinions of the format

The PGA Tour ‘s play-offs have completely divided opinion between Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler.

Scheffler has been by far and away the best PGA golfer this year. But the world No. 1’s six victories in 2024 only give him a shots-based advantage in the three tournaments, which determine the Tour champion.

Scottie Scheffler issued Rory McIlroy warning as PGA Tour rivals set for epic Masters battle - Mirror Online

READ: Scottie Scheffler lashes out after embarrassing shot during first PGA Tour event since Olympics victory

The top 50 in the FedEx Cup points standings after the St. Jude Championship this weekend will advance to next week’s BMW Championship, where that number will be whittled down to 30 for the concluding Tour Championship.

With 5,993 points, Scheffler is nearly 2,000 points ahead of closest rival Xander Schauffele on 4,057, and he’s got more than double McIlroy’s 2,545. But they’ve got a chance to catch up to him on the course, with the final winner of the FedEx Cup season claiming the trophy.

Given his dominance, Scheffler isn’t a fan of how it’s decided. “I talked about it the last few years. I think it’s silly,” he said. “You can’t call it a season-long race and have it come down to one tournament. Hypothetically, we get to East Lake (host of the Tour Championship) and my neck flares up and it doesn’t heal the way it did at The Players.

“I finish 30th in the FedExCup because I had to withdraw from the last tournament, is that really the season-long race? No. It’s a fun tournament. I don’t really consider it the season-long race like I think the way it’s called. But you’ve got to figure out a way to strike a balance between it being a good TV product and it still being a season-long race.

“Right now, I don’t know exactly how the ratings are or anything like that, but I know for a fact you can’t really quite call it the season-long race when it comes down to one stroke-play tournament on the same golf course each year.”

Barring any issues, Scheffler will start the Tour Championship on 10 under, at least two better than anyone else. But that hasn’t helped him triumph in the last two years. In 2022, he threw away a six-stroke lead and allowed McIlroy to claim a record third FedEx Cup.

Last year, he shot just one under overall and was 16 behind the champion Viktor Hovland. Scheffler’s frustration is likely heightened by the huge money on offer for the winner – $25million (£19m), which is not far off his record-breaking total earnings this year in excess of $28m (£22m).

McIlroy, on the other hand, is a fan. “I love this format because if it wasn’t this format, then none of us would have a chance against Scottie because he’s so far ahead,” he admitted. “So I really like this format. I think it makes the Tour Championship more exciting from a consumer standpoint.

“Is it the fairest reflection of who’s been the best player of the year? Probably not. But I think at this point we’re not in for totally fair; we’re in for entertainment and for trying to put on the best product we possibly can.”

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Jon Rahm finally cracks as LIV Golf rebel ‘willing to give Saudi cash back’ in U-turn

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Jon Rahm LIV Golf

Jon Rahm has not enjoyed the same level of success since joining LIV Golf last year and is allegedly open to returning to the PGA Tour – even if it means giving up his millions

Jon Rahm is ready to do whatever it takes to make a comeback to the PGA Tour, it’s been claimed.

Rahm could even hand back some of his LIV Golf cash to play alongside the likes of Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler again. A “veteran tour insider” claims that Rahm is having second thoughts about his switch to the Saudi-backed league.

Jon Rahm takes a swing at world ranking rules after LIV Golf abandons 'fight' for points | CNN

READ: Scottie Scheffler lashes out after embarrassing shot during first PGA Tour event since Olympics victory

“I am 100 percent positive that if Jon could give the money back to the Saudis and come back to the tour, he couldn’t write the check fast enough,” the anonymous source told Golf Digest.

Not too long ago, Rahm was dazzling as one of the bright new stars on the PGA Tour. He racked up more than $70million (£54m) in career earnings across the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, and he enjoyed a prestigious stint as World No.1 for over 50 weeks. His 11 PGA victories include triumphs at the Masters and US Open.

However, since his 2023 leap to LIV Golf, Rahm’s performances and fan engagement have not mirrored his previous heights. “Now there are only four times a year when he’s playing that anybody is remotely interested,” the insider added. “He thought his stature in the game was secure no matter where he was playing, and it was a bad miscalculation.”

Barring last month’s Open – where Rahm tied for seventh at 3-under – the 29-year-old has had a tough time in this year’s majors. He just made the cut at the Masters, ending up T45, didn’t make it through the PGA Championship and had to pull out of the US Open due to a foot infection.

Before the Open, former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley suggested that Rahm’s lacklustre performances might be down to his rumoured dissatisfaction with LIV Golf, which was rumoured to sign him for upwards of $500m ($386.3m).

“He’s not on the cutting edge the way he was,” McGinley said. “His performances in majors are showing that. I don’t think he’s in a happy place; he doesn’t look content on the golf course.”

Rahm’s start to 2024 wasn’t stellar, failing to clinch a win in any of the first 10 LIV events, though he did tie for third in Adelaide and Nashville. Yet last month he triumphed in the LIV UK, bagging a tournament win for the eighth year running.

In recent months, Rahm hasn’t held back on suggesting improvements for LIV Golf. This April, he criticised the event format, pushing for a change from the 54-hole tournaments with a shotgun start to a full 72. “The closer we can get LIV to do some of these things, the better,” Rahm commented.

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Scottie Scheffler lashes out after embarrassing shot during first PGA Tour event since Olympics victory

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Scottie Scheffler PGA Championship

Scottie Scheffler had a moment of frustration all golf fans could relate to during the opening round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship Thursday. 

The World No. 1, playing his first tournament back on the PGA Tour since winning Olympic gold in Paris, lost his temper, despite shooting a four-under 66 at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee.

Four-under thru 12, the Masters champion’s tee shot at the 13th found a bunker 185 yards from the pin. His second shot failed to find the green, suffering a similar sandy fate.

Scottie Scheffler: PGA Championship showing that the conquest of strife and struggle are the essence of sport - The Economic Times

READ: PGA V LIV GOLF: Rory McIlroy disagrees with Jon Rahm on divisive PGA Tour topic as LIV star’s stance clear

Faced with getting up and down from the trap to the right of the green, Scheffler splashed out over the pin with his ball coming to a stop 13 feet away from the hole.

Despite his shot safely finding the dancefloor and setting up a good look at a par save, the two-time major winner was less than impressed.

Scheffler immediately slammed his club into the bunker before his ball could even land, before furiously kicking the sand to cover his tracks and shaking his head in disgust.

As he exited the sand trap, he took one last aim at the ground with his club before striding away.

Scheffler ultimately missed the par putt and was forced to tap in for bogey – his lone dropped shot of the round.

However, he picked up another birdie at the par-five 16th to card his 66 and head into the second round Friday with a seven-way share of fifth.

Scheffler’s rare outburst came one day after the Olympian ripped into the PGA Tour’s ‘silly’ playoff format.

Arriving with a freshly-won gold medal around his neck, Scheffler was pressed on the one trophy that had eluded him throughout his glittering career so far: The FedEx Cup.

‘I talked about it the last few years, I think it’s silly,’ said Scheffler, who has started the past two Tour Championships at East Lake Golf Club at 10-under – at least two shots better than the rest of the field.

‘You can’t call it a season-long race and have it come down to one tournament.

‘Hypothetically, we get to East Lake and my neck flares up and it doesn’t heal the way it did at the Players. I finish 30th in the FedEx Cup because I had to withdraw from the last tournament? Is that really the season-long race? No, it is what it is.’

Scheffler, whose 2024 earnings total $36,148,691 so far, will tee off alongside PGA Championship and The Open Championship winner Xander Schauffele at 10:35am ET in the second round Friday with the BMW Championship following next week before the PGA Tour’s season finale on August 29.

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GOLF

PGA V LIV GOLF: Rory McIlroy disagrees with Jon Rahm on divisive PGA Tour topic as LIV star’s stance clear

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Rory McIlroy Jon Rahm

Three-time FedEx Cup champion Rory McIlroy has defended the PGA Tour format ahead of the St Jude Championship at TPC Southwind

Rory McIlroy has launched a defence over the PGA Tour format ahead of the FedEx Cup playoffs.

The FedEx Cup is a season-long competition to crown the best PGA golfer, with players accumulating points from events throughout the year. The top 70 golfers from January to August qualify for the first FedEx Cup playoff at the St. Jude Championship, which tees off on Thursday.

Jon Rahm calls out commentator over Rory McIlroy comments that 'absolutely burned me' | Golf | Sport | Express.co.uk

READ: It does NOT end well: U.S. Amateur players try to recreate Tiger Woods’ ‘greatest shot’

The field is whittled down to 50 for the BMW Championship, with winners of each playoff event adding 2,000 points to their existing total; quadruple the number for a full-field PGA event. The season finale then sees the top 30 battle it out in the PGA Tour Championship, which features a staggered-stroke system and allows the FedEx Cup leader to start on 10-under-par, two shots ahead of second place.

It is designed to help ensure that there is no runaway winner before the Tour Championship, with the FedEx Cup champion pocketing a £19.4million ($25m) jackpot. Several top stars, including LIV Golf ace Jon Rahm, have branded the format unfair – but three-time winner McIlroy believes the FedEx Cup allows the season to end with a flourish.

“I love this format because if it wasn’t this format, then none of us would have a chance against Scottie [Scheffler] because he’s so far ahead,” McIlroy said ahead of the St. Jude Championship.

“He’s so far ahead, and you don’t expect Scottie to finish outside the top five, either. By the way – I think it makes the Tour Championship more exciting from a consumer standpoint.”

McIlroy did at least admit: “Is it the fairest reflection of who’s been the best player of the year? Probably not. But I think at this point we’re not in for totally fair, we’re in for entertainment and for trying to put on the best product we possibly can. The first year that it was the starting strokes at Tour Championship in 2019, I was able to win that one, and then in ’22 again.

“I like this format. It sort of feels like it’s a bit of a reset after the regular season,” McIlroy added. “Everyone is not quite on a level playing field, but it feels a little more like that.”

While acknowledging the entertainment value for fans, ex-world No. 1 Rahm previously laid into the play-off system, arguing that it overlooked his success on the PGA Tour. Rahm no longer has to deal with those issues, though, as his switch to LIV Golf in December makes him ineligible to compete in the FedEx Cup.

“I don’t like it, I don’t think it’s fair,” Rahm said in 2021. “I don’t like that at all. I think you have the play-offs itself and win the first two, and if you don’t play good on the last one, you can end up with a really bad finish.

“You could win 15 events, including both playoff events, and you have a two-shot lead,” he continued. “I understand it’s for TV purposes and excitement and just making it more of a winner-take-all, and they give you a two-shot advantage, but over four days that can be gone in two holes.”

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It does NOT end well: U.S. Amateur players try to recreate Tiger Woods’ ‘greatest shot’

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Tiger Woods USGA

The U.S. Amateur returns to Hazeltine National this week for the first time since 2006, as the best amateurs in the world take to the Minnesota brute, whose narrow fairways and small greens make it a ball-striker’s delight.

One guy who may not view Hazeltine as fondly is Tiger Woods, who narrowly lost the PGA Championship at the course in 2002 and 2009, the latter of which the only time he lost a major after being the 54-hole leader.

That said, the course is the site of what Tiger has said is the greatest shot of his life. That came in 2002 on the 18th hole in the second round, when Woods was nestled under the lip of a fairway bunker, with the ball below his feet, over 200 yards from the hole, with wind howling off the left and towering trees between him and the green. He took 3-iron, picked it off the sand and hit it inside 20 feet. Oh, yeah, and he made the putt for birdie.

READ: LIV Golf Doping Controversy: Brooks Koepka Steals Bryson DeChambeau’s Move to Save Face

Immediately after, announcers called it “one of the best shots” they had ever seen, and last year, Tiger confirmed to TaylorMade that it was his best ever, saying he’s “never felt contact that solid in his life.” Given all the remarkable shots that he’s hit over his career, that Tiger picked this one should be proof enough of how incredible it was, but if you needed any more confirmation, the USGA has us covered.

A day before the opening round of the U.S. Amateur, the USGA asked a few competitors to try and recreate the remarkable shot. Take a look to see how it went.

Woof. By our rough count, that’s seven shots into the lip, seven cleared the lip but judging by the tracers and reactions, none found the green. And these guys had it easier than Woods, with what seemed like much less wind, far fewer trees between them and the hole, and the assist of 22 years of club technology advancements.

Judging by these attempts—and fails—let’s consider any debate about Tiger’s best shot over.

The U.S. Amateur began Monday with a field of 312 players competing over two rounds of stroke play at Hazeltine and co-host Chaska Town Course. After Tuesday’s second round, the field will be cut to 64 and six rounds of match play will determine the national champion.

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LIV Golf Doping Controversy: Brooks Koepka Steals Bryson DeChambeau’s Move to Save Face

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Brooks Koepka Bryson DeChambeau

LIV Golf Doping Controversy – Brooks Koepka Steals Bryson DeChambeau’s Move to Save Face at $25M Showdown

John Catlin joined Bryson DeChambeau‘s Crushers GC as a replacement for Charles Howell III at LIV Golf Houston after Howell was sidelined due to a tibia injury in his left leg. Interestingly, Catlin had decent performances, with T7 in Nashville being his best. However, who would have thought Catlin would be back again on the LIV golf field, and this time as a part of Brooks Koepka’s team?

PGA Tour should move cautiously with Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka feud - Sports Illustrated

READ: ‘I fully accept the sanctions’: LIV Golf pro suspended after positive drugs test

Yes, you read it right. Recently, bunkered.com revealed that Catlin is joining Koepka’s Smash GC as a replacement for Graeme McDowell for the $25 million Greenbrier showdown. The reason McDowell is out of the field of the upcoming event is that he has been suspended for one event for violating LIV Golf’s anti-doping rules. The golfer tested positive for R-methamphetamine, a banned substance that he claims was used in a nasal spray for congestion.

Talking about it, McDowell shared a post on X and said, “Ahead of LIV Nashville, I was struggling with severe congestion that was affecting my sleep. In an effort to manage it, I used a generic Vick’s nasal decongestant without realizing it might be on the banned list.” Not only will he miss out on the next $25 million event, but the golfer was also fined $125,000. Meanwhile, John Catlin will play as his replacement at LIV Golf Greenbrier.

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“I fully accept the sanctions”: LIV Golf pro suspended after positive drugs test

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LIV Golf

LIV Golf pro Graeme McDowell has been suspended and fined from one tournament after he tested positive for a banned substance. 

McDowell took to X on 11 August to confirm he had used a ‘generic’ Vicks nasal decongestant ahead of LIV Nashville after struggling to sleep.

The golfer didn’t realise that it was on the list of prohibited substances, he said.

Graeme McDowell suspended for violating LIV Golf's doping policy

READ: Rory McIlroy reaches unwanted career milestone

The 45-year-old said he did not think to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) because of the ‘over the counter nature’ of the medicine.

In his statement, McDowell said he ‘deeply’ regretted the oversight and he fully accepted the sanctions imposed by the breakaway tour.

He also appeared to hit out at the PGA Tour by saying that LIV, ‘Unlike other tours’, enforces rules rigorously.

The former European Ryder Cup star appeared to confirm he has been banned from competing in one LIV event.

McDowell said he looks forward to getting back into action at LIV Chicago over 13-15 September.

It means that he won’t be in the field at The Greenbrier next week and explains why he withdrew from last week’s Asian Tour event.

McDowell and his LIV peer Ian Poulter were expected to headline the International Series event at Foxhills in Surrey.

But both players pulled out. Poulter cited the recurrence of an ankle injury whilst McDowell did not give a reason.

“Ahead of LIV Nashville, I was struggling with severe congestion that was affecting my sleep,” McDowell said in a statement.

“In an effort to manage it, I used a generic Vicks nasal decongestant without realising it might be on the banned list.

“As a professional golfer, I understand the importance of checking all medications and the option to apply for a TUE.

“Unfortunately, I did not think to do this due to the over the counter nature of the medicine, and I deeply regret the oversight.

“I fully accept the sanctions imposed by LIV.”

He continued: “LIV’s Anti-Doping Policy is designed to be thorough and transparent.

“Unlike some other tours, LIV enforces these rules rigorously, which made this situation particularly challenging for me.

“However, I respect the rules and penalties – they are essential for maintaining the integrity of the sport.

“I’m proud of my 22-year career and the way I’ve conducted myself throughout it.

“Now, I’m focused on moving forward and getting back on the golf course.

“I look forward to seeing everyone at LIV Chicago.”

McDowell's statement on X

It has been reported that McDowell has been fined $125,000 (£98,000) for the offence.

The results of McDowell and his team from LIV Nashville will be disqualified following his suspension.

McDowell was among the first wave of players to join the controversial, Saudi-backed league in June 2022.

He resigned his membership with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour 30 minutes before the first tee shots were hit in LIV’s inaugural event at Centurion Club.

McDowell is currently a member of Brooks Koepka’s Smash GC.

He spent the first two campaigns as part of Martin Kaymer’s Cleeks outfit.

McDowell has not played in a major championship since the 2020 U.S. Open, when his 10-year exemption for winning the tournament expired.

He has since tumbled to 972 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

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Rory McIlroy reaches unwanted career milestone

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Rory McIlroy PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy has reached an unwanted milestone in his career as 10 August marks the beginning of a second decade in his hunt for a fifth major.

Rory McIlroy knew this day was coming 22 holes into the final men’s major of the year at Royal Troon.

The four-time major champion was hoping to stick around for the weekend at The Open by making inroads early in his second round.

Fighting sickness, Rory McIlroy salvages 71 to open PGA Championship - PGA TOUR

READ: ‘Did Everything I Could..’: Phil Mickelson Revives Feud With Jay Monahan & Exposes Own Mistreatment by PGA Tour

But things went south quickly and, by the time he reached the 7th tee he was already 6-over for the day and thinking of holiday destinations.

He likely was thinking of how he was going to have to spend the next nine months being asked the same questions about whether or not he’ll ever win The Masters.

McIlroy pointed out there was still a lot to play for, such as the Olympic Games, FedEx Cup and Race to Dubai.

But we all know what he cares most about, don’t we?

Legacy, history and an annual seat at the table next to Tiger Woods at Augusta National.

Now we have arrived at 10 August 2024.

The date marks the beginning of a second decade in McIlroy’s bid for a fifth major championship.

His last major triumph came as a bushy-haired 25-year-old when he claimed the PGA Championship in darkness at Valhalla.

Few would have expected that a drought this long was to follow but this is where we are.

Since that day in Louisville, Kentucky, 39 men’s major championships have been played and won by 26 different players.

Some golfers in the same generation as McIlroy have won multiple times in that span.

Brooks Koepka is now a five-time major champion.

Jon Rahm has won two.

Bryson DeChambeau battled back from wrist and hip injuries to claim his second major at the 2024 U.S. Open.

Now McIlroy has Scottie Scheffler and an increasingly confident Xander Schauffele to contend with.

There’s also a young Swede by the name of Ludvig Aberg who the Ulsterman will be wary of.

At 35 years old, you could argue that McIlroy is now teeing it up on the back nine of his career.

But he’ll take solace from the fact that, providing he takes care of his body and remains focussed he’ll have plenty more chances of glory.

And he’ll take note of the history books.

Phil Mickelson was 34 years old when he got his hands on his first major in golf, 12 years after he made his professional debut.

Lefty went on to win five more, including the 2021 PGA Championship when he became the oldest major winner in history at 50 years, 11 months and seven days.

But this is a young man’s game.

Who knows what’s in store for the next chapter of McIlroy’s career.

Whatever comes to pass, we know it will be a captivating watch.

McIlroy has made no secret of the fact that winning The Masters is the ultimate goal.

He would complete the career grand slam and join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Gary Player as the only golfers to win each and every major.

“I’d love to win The Masters,” McIlroy told reporters at the turn of the year.

“It’s the only major that I haven’t won.

“St Andrews is where the game started, but Augusta has become this cathedral of golf in some way, and all the greats of the game have won there in the past.

“It’s the only major that we go back to each year on the same golf course.

“It seems like it gets bigger and bigger every year, and it’s the first major of the year too – it’s more hyped up.”

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy record in majors since 2014:

2014

  • Masters: T8
  • U.S. Open: T23
  • The Open Championship: Win
  • PGA Championship: Win

2015

  • Masters: 4th
  • U.S. Open: T9
  • The Open Championship: Did not play (Injury)
  • PGA Championship: 17th

2016

  • Masters: T10
  • U.S. Open: MC
  • The Open Championship: T5
  • PGA Championship: MC

2017

  • Masters: T7
  • U.S. Open: MC
  • The Open Championship: T4
  • PGA Championship: T22

2018

  • Masters: T5
  • U.S. Open: MC
  • The Open Championship: T2
  • PGA Championship: T50

2019

  • Masters: T21
  • U.S. Open: T9
  • The Open Championship: MC
  • PGA Championship: T8

2020

  • Masters: T5
  • U.S. Open: T8
  • The Open Championship: Postponed
  • PGA Championship: T33

2021

  • Masters: MC
  • U.S. Open: T7
  • The Open Championship: T46
  • PGA Championship: T49

2022

  • Masters: 2
  • U.S. Open: T5
  • The Open Championship: 3rd
  • PGA Championship: 8th

2023

  • Masters: Missed Cut
  • U.S. Open: 2
  • The Open Championship: T6
  • PGA Championship: T7

Summary:

  • Wins: 2
  • Top 5 finishes: 15
  • Missed cuts: 7
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