McIlroy backed to achieve unimaginable feat by | Golf News

Sportscasting icon Jim Nantz is backing Rory McIlroy to make historical past and win all 4 majors in one season, following his majestic victory at the Masters. McIlroy snapped a 10-year main drought with an spectacular triumph at Augusta National final month, sparking hypothesis about what he may accomplish during this season.

The Northern Irishman, aged 36, has exhibited supreme type, bagging wins at The Players and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am along with his coveted inexperienced jacket. Looking forward, the world No. 2 is a joint favourite alongside Scottie Scheffler for the upcoming PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.

McIlroy’s document at the North Carolina venue is nothing short of outstanding, with 4 wins under his belt, and his current success may give him the psychological edge needed after vanquishing the extreme stress that haunted his quest for the profession grand slam.

Tiger Woods uniquely held all 4 main trophies at once, yet not within a single yr — a feat referred to as the “Tiger Slam” spanning 2000-2001.

Rocking the microphone for CBS’ PGA protection next week, Nantz is just not dismissing the chance of McIlroy taking home the {hardware} from Quail Hollow, Oakmont, and Royal Portrush back in his homeland.

Nantz, who has been a fixture in golf broadcasting with CBS for 4 many years, suggests that the ghosts McIlroy exorcised at Augusta, mixed with the resilience he exhibited in a nail-biting remaining spherical, have primed him to deal with any obstacles he may face in the upcoming majors.

“We all know what the fourth [leg] is. Is that possible? Absolutely, it’s possible,” he unhappy on the pre-tournament convention call. “I was trying to think of what would be anything that could happen the rest of his career that would ever approach what he had to have felt on Sunday at Augusta.

“There’s only one factor that may ever occur, and that could be Sunday at Royal Portrush going for the calendar slam. That’s it. And I still do not assume it is the identical stress, consider it or not. I actually do not. His resume and his legacy has been cemented. Now he can exit and play with whole freedom. It’s thrilling. It actually traces up nicely.

“I can’t speak to what Oakmont really looks like for him, but can you imagine just going for the third one after knocking off the first two? Completely conceivable. I don’t put anything past him.”

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The PGA Tour has seen a resurgence this yr after dealing with challenges due to the LIV Golf controversy in 2022. With its main gamers performing exceptionally nicely, CBS has reported elevated viewership for the bulk of the ultimate rounds it has aired this season.

Nantz shared his enthusiasm about the present state of golf: “Golf is in a very good place right now. It sure is fun. It sure is exciting. It’s enjoyable seeing a lot of people join in the game, join in the excitement.

“Golf is in a good place. The stars are shining. Young stars are developing. We’ve obtained a entire summer time of golf still to go. And it is just a blast being a half of it, and we’re thrilled to be half of it.”