Jack Nicklaus gives his verdict on why Rory McIlroy hasn’t won a Major since 2014
Jack Nicklaus still believes Rory McIlroy has the quality to win more Majors and isn’t sure what has been going wrong for him.
Nicklaus has suggested the issues facing McIlroy have to do with his mindset or at least his ability to focus.
The Golden Bear was reminded of his prediction that McIlroy might win 15 Majors which he made after the Ulsterman won the 2014 PGA Championship.
Speaking to Nicklaus for the Golf Channel, Tom Lerner said: “Jack, I remember you mentioned this earlier, when he won the PGA Championship at Valhalla 10 years ago, you said at that point you thought he could win up to 15 majors. That was the last one.”
Well, it’s been a while for him, but I’m a big Rory fan,” Nicklaus said. “I’ve been a big Rory fan for a long time.
“He’s a good guy, and he’s a wonderful player, he’s got a great golf swing, plays a lot of great shots, and I don’t know where he loses it at times.
“But, you know, he seems to not be able to focus all the way around.”
Analyst Frank Nobilo also noted that McIlroy has the propensity to go off the boil.
“I think you’re right, Jack. There’s like two Rorys today. His bad, even he would admit to you, is terrible. But his good is like, it’s better than anybody else,” Nobilo said.
Nicklaus impressed by Scottie Scheffler
Nicklaus also commented on the terrific form of Scottie Scheffler this season.
Scheffler took the Masters title and has dominated the PGA Tour’s Signature Events.
The record Major winner believes that Scheffler’s calmness under pressure really makes him stand out on Tour.
He has been very impressed by the consistent performances that Scheffler has put in across this season and his ability to keep on racking up wins.
“Well, I think Scheffler is fantastic. I think he’s brought a new life into the game. He obviously can play fantastic. He comes in week after week after week playing fantastic. That’s just unbelievable. Nobody’s done this in a long time.
“I think Scheffler’s very calm about what he does. Look at Scottie play. He doesn’t look like he’s doing anything sensational.
“I don’t know how I used to play, but he’s playing pretty well. But anyway, he doesn’t make dumb mistakes.”