Rory McIlroy's Major Season: Masters Win Followed by Familiar Struggles

Rory McIlroy's major championship season has unfolded in a familiar pattern: a victory at the Masters, the first major of the year, followed by a struggle to maintain contention in subsequent events. His recent performance at The Open, where he finished tied for 40th, highlighted this trend, with McIlroy noting he was not truly 'part of the conversation' for the title.

McIlroy himself drew parallels between his current season and a previous year, noting that while winning a major is always satisfying, his form declined afterward. Despite having a chance on Sunday afternoon at the PGA Championship, his overall major record outside of Augusta has largely seen him in the middle of the field.

Following his Masters triumph, McIlroy took a three-week break. He has not yet taken time to fully celebrate his second green jacket, choosing instead to prioritize family time before the PGA Tour postseason. As he prepares for upcoming events like the FedEx St. Jude Championship, McIlroy is currently priced at +1300 (FanDuel).

At The Open, McIlroy's presence was noted more for his critical comments regarding Bryson DeChambeau's handling of a rules violation than for his on-course play. DeChambeau, a major champion in his own right, is currently listed at +2200 (FanDuel) for the Masters Tournament, representing another top player with major aspirations.

With his daughter's summer holiday underway, McIlroy plans to enjoy the break before returning to the PGA Tour. He has expressed clear ambitions to add more major titles to his existing six, setting new targets for his career and aiming to find renewed momentum.