Rory McIlroy’s got some extra fire in his belly heading into 2024, and it’s all because of two guys: Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele.
They’ve been absolutely crushing it this year. Scheffler’s been on another level, racking up eight wins including the Masters, The Players, the FedExCup, and an Olympic gold. Schauffele finally broke through in the majors – not once, but twice.
Name
Events
Top 10
Money
Rory McIlroy
257
125
$90,989,348
“They clearly separated themselves from the pack this year,” McIlroy said, who’s picked up three worldwide wins himself. “I’m obviously very aware of that, and it only makes me more motivated to try to emulate what they did.”
It’s been a weird year for Rory. Sure, he’s played great golf – really consistent stuff at the highest level. But there’s one moment that still stings.
The U.S. Open collapse.
With just five holes to play, he had a two-shot lead. Then it all fell apart.
“Thinking about the ones that got away, I could be sitting up here with a fifth major title and I’m not,” McIlroy admitted at the DP World Tour Championship. “That stings and that’s something I have to come to terms with.”
But he’s not dwelling on it too much.
“Did I achieve every goal I set for myself this year? Probably not. But I still consider it a successful season.”
There’s still some history up for grabs this week in Dubai. McIlroy’s looking to become Europe’s top player for the sixth time – that would put him alongside the legendary Seve Ballesteros.
A top-10 finish would do it, holding off South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence for the Race to Dubai title.
“That would be a really cool achievement for me,” McIlroy said, clearly ready to end 2023 on a high note.
