Sport Golf

Rory McIlroy backed as Bryson Dechambeau and Brooks Koepka sent message

Rory McIlroy has been unable to add to his major tally, but Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka have been told they should be envious of the Northern Irishman.

By: express.co.uk

Dec 30 2024
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Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy had a stellar 2024, even though he didn't win another major (Image: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images for The Showdown)

Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka should be envious of Rory McIlroy's scorching form this year, according to Irish golf icon Padraig Harrington. With a staggering 21 top-10 finishes in the past decade but no major titles since his 2014 PGA Championship triumph, the 35-year-old's consistency has been unparalleled.

Despite McIlroy narrowly missing out on the US Open trophy, he has been in fine form this year and could be on course to return to major title glory in 2025. As a result, Harrington is adamant that some of the Northern Irishman's competitors should be wary of his upcoming performances.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, Harrington said: "Wouldn't you love to be in his position?

"Who wouldn't swap with him? Well, maybe Scottie [Scheffler] wouldn't. Xander [Schauffele] looks like he'll be a force going forward. But outside of that, you know, you might say Bryson [DeChambeau] or Brooks Koepka mightn't swap with him, but they should!"

Both DeChambeau and Koepka have claimed major victories more recently than McIlroy, including DeChambeau bagging this year's US Open and securing runner-up at the PGA Championship. Meanwhile, Koepka took home the US Open in 2018 and also won the PGA Championship in 2023.

Despite this, Harrington is convinced that McIlroy's current form surpasses both the Americans, praising his putting as the best it's been for years. The 53-year-old also wondered whether McIlroy is getting frustrated by his ongoing hunt for another major win.

DeChambeau

The American duo are a formidable pair (Image: Getty)

Harrington said: "[McIlroy is] unbelievable. He's driving it great. He seems very comfortable with that. He chips it unbelievable. His putting is the best it's been. He's putted great the last three, four years."

Reflecting on McIlroy's recent near misses in major titles, he added: "I'd say it will be frustrating for him. The last while, Rory keeps coming up against guys at their peak. Whether it's a Brooks, or a Bryson, a Xander, or a Scottie. He's always there, but there's always somebody else at the door."

While McIlroy intends to cut back his golfing schedule in 2025, the professional athlete still appears set to chase down more major glory.