Rory McIlroy’s 2024 Season: A Year of Near Misses and Unfulfilled Potential
It feels harsh to criticize a player who has won three times this year and contended on multiple other occasions, but Rory McIlroy may look back on 2024 as a campaign that could – or should – have offered so much more. With a mix of triumphs and near-misses, McIlroy’s season has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions, leaving fans and analysts alike pondering what could have been.
A Season of Promise and Frustration
As the year unfolds, McIlroy has threatened major glory, been in the running for the FedExCup victory, and remains the overwhelming favorite to win the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai for a sixth time. However, despite these accolades, he has come agonizingly close to adding to his win tally during a season filled with near-misses on both sides of the Atlantic.
The squandered chance to end his decade-long major drought at the US Open stands out as one of four runner-up finishes already in 2024. McIlroy also finished second at the Dubai Invitational, Amgen Irish Open, and BMW PGA Championship, each time leaving him and his supporters wondering what might have been.
Early Season Struggles and Resilience
The year began with a mixed bag of results. At the season-opening Dubai Invitational, McIlroy let a narrow lead slip on the final hole, settling for a tied-second finish as Ryder Cup teammate Tommy Fleetwood snatched victory. McIlroy’s disappointment was palpable; he had gone from three behind with eight holes to play to one ahead, only to bogey the par-five last after finding the water.
Despite this setback, McIlroy quickly bounced back, successfully defending his title at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, where he claimed a record fourth victory at the event. His third-round 63 showcased his resilience and skill, propelling him to the top of the DP World Tour rankings.
However, his transition to the PGA Tour proved challenging, with McIlroy finishing no higher than 19th in his next five starts. A third-place finish at the Valero Texas Open raised hopes for a strong performance at The Masters, but he left Augusta National with a tied-22nd finish, admitting there was "lots of room for improvement."
The Quest for Major Glory
As the season progressed, McIlroy’s quest for a fifth major title continued to elude him. After a series of top-15 finishes on the PGA Tour, he found himself in contention at the US Open, even holding a two-shot lead on the final day. However, a series of costly mistakes, including a missed three-foot putt, saw him finish as runner-up once again, this time to Bryson DeChambeau. McIlroy described that day as his "toughest day as a professional golfer," a sentiment that resonated deeply with fans who have followed his journey.
Summer Struggles and Olympic Disappointment
The summer months brought further challenges for McIlroy. His ambitions at The Open were dashed by an opening-round 78 at Royal Troon, and a missed cut meant his major wait would extend into an 11th season. Competing for Team Ireland in the Paris Olympics, he again fell short in the medal hunt, finishing just outside the podium places.
As the FedExCup Playoffs approached, McIlroy’s form remained inconsistent. A disappointing weekend at the FedEx St Jude Championship left him tied-68th, and he struggled to contend at the BMW Championship, ultimately missing out on the Tour Championship.
Near Misses on the DP World Tour
McIlroy’s challenges continued on the DP World Tour, where he contemplated a reduced schedule for 2025 after hitting "a wall" during a grueling stretch of events. Despite taking a one-shot lead into the final round of the Amgen Irish Open, he faltered, bogeying two of his last four holes and missing a final-hole eagle that could have forced a playoff.
The BMW PGA Championship offered another opportunity for redemption, but after a thrilling final round, McIlroy found himself in a three-way playoff, ultimately finishing second once again. "Two weeks in a row I’ve played well, just not quite well enough," he reflected, a sentiment that encapsulated his season.
Looking Ahead: The Final Stretch of 2024
As 2024 draws to a close, McIlroy has three more opportunities to reclaim his winning form, starting with the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland. Following that, he will head to the Middle East for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the DP World Tour Championship, both of which are crucial for his Race to Dubai standings.
With a season marked by near-misses and moments of brilliance, Rory McIlroy’s journey in 2024 has been a testament to his resilience and determination. As he prepares for the final stretch of the year, fans will be eagerly watching to see if he can convert his potential into victories and finally break his major drought.
Watch Rory McIlroy in action on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour throughout the season live on Sky Sports. Coverage from the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship begins on Thursday from midday on Sky Sports Golf.