Rory McIlroy is a fantastic player!  He has all the tools to be one of the worlds best for years, however this year he is not living up to expectations.  With only one second place finish, it is a far cry from the 4 wins, 2 second place and 1 third place finishes in 2012.  Is it a sophomore jinx? Is the competition that much better this year? O has the high-flying Northern Ireland native burned out like a super nova?

Recently, much has been made about McIlroy changing over to Nike.  The Bleacher Report suggests that his move has added additional pressure to his game and that he was not quite ready for the stress of the overwhelming expectations.  Adding fuel to the fire, McIlroy created controversy by walking off the course just nine holes into his second round of the Honda Classic; this was just one month after signing a reported $20 million a year contract with Nike.  So is it the equipment?  Short answer – no.  The number one player in the world uses Nike and has for years.  Is there an adjustment period – probably.  However, to blame the equipment entirely for this years woes would be too simplistic.

Many are pointing the finger at McIlroy’s relationship with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. Some suggest that he is not spending the time focusing on his game. This may be a contributing factor to McIlroy’s challenges on the links, but is it really the factor?  The 24-year old golf superstar is allowed to have outside interests and trying to build a relationship with someone does take effort and time.  To suggest that he not put in the same effort in his personal life that he puts into his professional life is crazy!  He should be having fun and enjoying life like in the video below!  Life is about balance and harmony.

Has the stress of being uber-successful finally oozed into every aspect of his life? Being hounded, photographed, scrutinized, and analyzed every waking hour has to take its toll. The parasitic relationship that has evolved between player and fans will definitely sap your mental strength and Rory McIlroy is no different.  Many would say that they would love to have his challenges of fame and fortune, but be careful of what you wish for; being under a microscope every waking hour may not be a glorious as you think.  Golf is such a mental game and the current challenges faced by McIlroy on and off the course are so encompassing that it is no surprise that something had to give.

Is it McIlroy’s play this year?  The Golf Channel recently reported, “The numbers don’t suggest any struggles. He ranks 11th on the PGA Tour with a 301.4 driving distance average; he’s 59th with a 69.52 greens in regulation percentage; he’s 23rd with a birdie average of 3.77. If there’s one interesting note about his ball-striking, it’s this: He hits 56.25 percent of greens in regulation from 125-150 yards; 65.45 percent from 150-175 yards; and 68.35 percent from 175-200 yards. He’s the rare player who seemingly hits his mid-irons closer than his wedges.”  It is possible to play well and not score well!  Being number four in the world is not all that bad; is it?

So, where is Rory?  The Grateful Golfer suggests that he is right where he needs to be!  The real challenges with is play and subsequent results stems from unrealistic expectations!  The media and fans expect that a player of McIlroy’s calibre be able to play in the top two percent of his profession all the time.  Well, not to disappoint everyone, but that is impossible.  Rory McIlroy is a fantastic golfer.  He is gifted with golfing talents rarely seen in all but a few players.  He will regain his form of 2012 and surpass it very soon. There are still opportunities in 2013 for McIlroy to win a tournament or two; it is only September!  In 2014, he will have a year under is belt, he will be a year older and wiser, he will have found his groove and returned to the ranks of the golfing elite!

I am a grateful golfer!  See you on the links!