For Rory McIlroy, there’s no other way to go but up. After claiming his place in the golden pages of golf’s history with his career Grand Slam—bidding his name alongside legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods—the fans (and McIlroy himself) may think he will be relieved of expectations. However, that is not the case. Based on recent conversations around the Irish golfer, many golf enthusiasts now want McIlroy to finish the ‘calendar Grand Slam,’ and Wyndham Clark‘s latest comments make it sound like a reasonable demand.
Wyndham Clark sat down for an interview with Sky Sports Golf, where he shared his thoughts on what sets Rory McIlroy apart from some of the most acclaimed golfers. “I played with, uh, Fitzy [Matt Fitzpatrick] on Saturday or Sunday. And we were talking about that. Uh, he has a category. When someone gets their fifth major, they’re kind of in the upper echelon, like, they’re the highest of high.” Hoping someday he pulls of what McIlroy did, Clark continued, “I mean look at Jordan Spieth, an amazing player, he hasn’t done that yet. Justin Thomas. There’s a lot of guys that have not won the Grand Slam. And, uh, Phil Mickelson. I mean, it’s so–it’s amazing what he’s done.”
Wyndham Clark’s observations about the three brilliant players aren’t wrong, however. Six-time major winner Phil Mickelson has yet to secure his first U.S. Open win. Similarly, Jordan Spieth is seeking his first PGA Championship win, while Justin Thomas is aiming for three major victories—including the Masters, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship—to complete his career Grand Slam. Additionally, aside from Nicklaus, Woods, and McIlroy, only three other golfers have achieved a career Grand Slam: Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, and Gary Player. Undoubtedly, a great record to have up your sleeves.
History is made. The career Grand Slam is complete. pic.twitter.com/iRntMwFVbg
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 14, 2025
However, for Rory McIlroy, the 2025 season may hold more at stake than for other golfers, especially with the possibility of achieving the calendar ‘Grand Slam.’ Tiger Woods came closest to this feat by completing the ‘Tiger Slam,’ holding all four major titles at once, but not in a single season. He won the 2000 US Open, Open, and PGA Championship before sealing it with the 2001 Masters. Jordan Spieth nearly achieved the Calendar Slam in 2015, winning the Masters and US Open but finishing just one shot shy at The Open. With the first major already secured, McIlroy now has the unique opportunity as he approaches the second men’s major: the PGA Championship.
Why the second men’s major at Quail Hollow may be perfect for Rory McIlroy
The PGA Championship, held at Quail Hollow this year, may be perfect for Rory McIlroy. In his 11 appearances at Quail Hollow, Rory McIlroy has won four times—in 2010, 2015, 2021, and 2024 at the Truist Championship—making him the only player with more than two victories at this course. His first win in 2010 not only marked his debut on the PGA Tour but also came with a course record of 62 in the final round. He later broke that record with an impressive 61 in 2015, a score that still stands unmatched. Without a doubt, McIlroy has a great relationship with the course.
This was clear during the 2024 Truist Championship as well. McIlroy shot rounds of 67-68-67-65 to win by five shots over Scottie Scheffler. During the week, McIlroy ranked first in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee with 6.1 and had an impressive Driving Distance of 337 yards. He recorded six drives over 350 yards and 33 drives over 325 yards, showcasing his incredible power off the tee. His performance also included leading in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee and Tee-to-Green, ranking second in both Greens in Regulation and Proximity to the Hole, and excelling in Scrambling.
However, the iconic Quail Hollow also challenges golfers’ driving skills and rewards those who excel off the tee. McIlroy’s driving ability fits the course’s demands perfectly. His average of 1.55 Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee per round at Quail Hollow ranks him among the best. Additionally, his improved wedge play enhances his chances at Quail Hollow, where accuracy on approach shots is key. Do you think the Irish golfer will be able to pull off what the G.O.A.T. couldn’t?
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