PGA Championship 2012 Winner: Everything You Need to Know About Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy isn’t just an elite golfer—he’s Hollywood.
Actually, “Holywood” if you’re talking about where the 2012 PGA Championship winner is from and double Ls if you’re talking about why his critics attack him.
McIlroy, a former World No. 1, catches heat for a supposed love of the spotlight.
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Maybe it’s because he’s dating Caroline Wozniacki. Maybe they think he’s a prima donna because of his dislike of the elements. Or maybe they’re just jealous that his net worth is $20 million (before an $8 million PGA Championship purse) and he’s just 23 years old.
At just 23 years old, McIlroy has already won two major tournaments—this year’s PGA Championship and the 2011 U.S. Open. Following his first major victory, though, McIlroy attracted an honor that has plagued him over the past year.
A comparison to Tiger Woods.
McIlroy set multiple records in his performance, which triggered many to prematurely peg him as “the next Tiger.” Until this weekend, he’s failed to live up to the lofty label. But after winning in dominating fashion with a score of 13-under-par at Kiawah Island, you better believe the links to Woods will reappear once again.
And of course, another reason why McIlroy isn’t the most beloved golfer on tour is because, right after he began to blow up in 2010, he said this of Woods’ status for the upcoming Ryder Cup (via BBC):
“I would love to face him. Unless his game rapidly improves...I think anyone in the European team would fancy their chances against him.”
Not that what he said wasn’t true of the slumping Woods, but apparently 21-year-olds aren’t supposed to doubt legends.
Anyway, according to the Official World Golf Rankings, McIlroy entered this weekend’s tournament as the No. 3 player on the planet. If he rides his momentum to a few more strong performances, he should be able to reclaim his No. 1 ranking from Luke Donald.
David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.
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