Has he got what it takes?

[HomerJSimpson]

I think he has the potential but there have been hundreds over the years who've had that. Anyone remember Paul Way, Peter Baker and even a time when Andrew Coltart was going to be the next big thing on tour.

The point is there are lots of decent players out there, even more so with the emergence of the challenge tours. I accept that McIlroy is a notch above the majority that come onto tour but like the names I mentioned there is always a danger the player will fail to realise their true capabilities. I do think there is a slight achilles heel with short putts at the moment but plenty of time to develop and correct that. Westwood seems to have done pretty well with a so called poor short game (still think Lee will win a major) so it can be done.

I think the real pressure will come from media pressure especially if he goes to the US and struggles. It isn't easy to adapt as Rose and even Garcia have found in their first season. If he then doesn't win in his European events either the media will be on his back about his decision to base himself on the PGA tour and so everything then get ratched up a notch. Throw in the hype for major win and thats a lot for a youngster to deal with.

Personally I'd like to have seen him learn his trade in Europe for a couple more seasons and go to the US with his game as good as it could be. I think he'll be a major winner in time but personally think it might be a good five years or so befor eit happens. Either way there is never a dull moment when he's on the course and he's one of the few that would make me switch over to watch him play

 

[golfcitydweller]

his bank manager thinks he`s a great putter !!! he`ll be the same as a lot of the top guy`s and have good and bad weeks on the greens ..westwood`s had a great year ,but would probably admit he`s not a great putter..rory i`ll be ok- we see at the masters if his putting `s improved ..

 

[viscount17]

My question is this Rory Mcllroy had twelve top 5 finishes this year however only one win.Martin Kaymer who seems to have been around 2 minutes has had 5 top five finishes but two wins.Has rory really got a good enough short game and putting game too be a multiple winner every year.

the answer to this is what's the rush, he's got time. he doesn't need to win everything immediately, 12 top five finishes is fine by me.

come on guys lets get 100 responses.

my answer to this is, it's not a bl**dy competition - do you feel the need to be loved or something?

 

[JustOne]

Putting is pretty fickle in my opinion, on a good day anything can go in, on a bad day everything can just miss by millimeters and to an extent luck plays it's part. Rory easily has what it takes. Whether or not it actually happens is of no consequence, he has the ability without doubt.

 

[theeaglehunter]

With a swing like that the world is his oyster. I know others are technically as able, but Mcilroy has a sense of class about him that oozes imminent success. You must remember he will still be learning his trade at the moment, both in terms of the game itself and life on tour. I think he is very level headed and has a good set of people around him supporting / guiding his development. There is absolutely no reason why he couldn't reach the very top of the game in a few years time.

 

[Parmo]

For a guy who was 11th in GIR and 111th in average putts per round it does say quite a bit.

 

[PhilTheFragger]

How old is Rory? 20 ish

Give the bloke a chance

Wish I was a tenth as good

Fragger

 

[Scobie]

For a guy who was 11th in GIR and 111th in average putts per round it does say quite a bit.

Because he hits so many GIR his putting average is always going to look bad. This is where these "stats" dont really tell the full story.

 

[algar5]

Without a doubt he has the talent and temperament. He just needs to take the final step up to be a regular winner on both sides of the atlantic.

I am sure he knows what areas of his game to work on and will have been doing so over the winter. Whether it is this year or next 2 or 3 I am sure he will be in the World Top 5 soon.

 

[CrapHacker]

Rory easily has what it takes. Whether or not it actually happens is of no consequence, he has the ability without doubt.

I wonder if Monty would agree with that.

 

[Dodger]

The fact he hits so many greens means he is always going to be low in the putting average,doesn't mean he is a bad putter but maybe just an average one.....if he was top 50 in putting he would probably be world no1!