Rory McIlroy has experienced an extraordinary season on the PGA Tour in 2025, marked by remarkable victories and unexpected challenges. The Northern Irish golfer began the year by winning The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players Championship, before achieving a career-defining moment at the Masters in April, where he completed the elusive career Grand Slam. Yet, following this peak, McIlroy’s form sharply declined, raising questions about his recent performances.
Off-Course Controversy and On-Course Difficulties Combine to Impact Performance
Since his Masters triumph, McIlroy’s results have faltered, particularly noticeable at the BMW Championship where commentators noted a lack of intensity. Golf analyst Rich Beem remarked that McIlroy appeared to be simply “going through the motions.” Behind the scenes, McIlroy faced a media firestorm after controversy arose around his non-conforming driver ahead of the PGA Championship, leading him to avoid press interactions for six major rounds. This media silence and surrounding turmoil have cast a shadow over his game and possibly contributed to his inconsistent play.
Historic Putting Improvement Emerges Amidst Challenges
In spite of these struggles, McIlroy has reached a significant milestone this season that sets him apart on the PGA Tour. For the first time in his career, his strokes gained putting have surpassed his performance off the tee, with a +0.77 gain on the greens compared to +0.65 from driving. This shift is unprecedented for McIlroy and places him among the top five players in both categories, a dual achievement he had never approached previously.
The Significance of McIlroy’s Putting Transformation
McIlroy’s putting has historically been inconsistent, with a ranking as low as 122nd in strokes gained putting in 2019. Today, he stands as the fourth-best putter on the PGA Tour, a dramatic improvement. This upward trend in his short game could be a critical factor in revitalizing his overall performance and competitiveness as the 2026 season approaches, signaling a potential return to top form for the four-time major champion.
What Lies Ahead for McIlroy After a Tumultuous Season
The mixed outcomes of McIlroy’s 2025 campaign underscore the volatility athletes can face despite past success. While his recent slump concerns fans and experts alike, his historic putting accomplishment offers optimism about his future prospects. Observers will watch closely to see if this newfound proficiency on the greens can rekindle McIlroy’s passion and drive, possibly leading him back to the forefront of golf’s elite.
“going through the motions.”
—Rich Beem, Golf Commentator