Alex Noren explains why he finds playing golf alongside Rory McIlroy ‘quite depressing’

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While Rory McIlroy has had a turbulent year in 2024, there is no doubt at all that the Northern Irishman remains one of the players who sets the standard in golf.

Rory McIlroy enjoyed another historic season as he became the six time winner of the Race of Dubai on the DP World Tour. McIlroy was clearly emotional as he tied Seve Ballesteros, with only Colin Montgomerie now ahead of him.

Tommy Fleetwood has claimed that McIlroy is the most talented player of his generation. And there is still a feeling that there could be plenty more to come from the 35-year-old in the years ahead.

Certainly, the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour are very lucky to have McIlroy. But it turns out that there is a downside for some of his peers, particularly when it comes to playing in the same group as the four-time major champion.

Why Alex Noren says he struggles after playing alongside Rory McIlroy

Alex Noren has played in the Ryder Cup and won events as big as the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. And speaking on Life on Tour, the Swede explained how playing alongside McIlroy can almost leave him feeling inferior simply because of how good he can be.

“Not being able to play in the way you want to play, that’s pretty depressing to me. I love playing with Rory, if you go deep inside my body, that’s the best thing in the world. But also, I imagine myself against every shot he hits, every shot I hit,” he said.

“It’s like, okay here, I actually did really well; here, I’ve got no chance; here, I’m even; here, I’ve got no chance. I admire any person that’s incredible in their field, so that’s quite depressing.”

McIlroy has emulated Tiger Woods with his ability to control an entire golf course

There are a handful of players who seem to have an aura which gives them an advantage over the rest of their competition, particularly down the stretch on Sunday at a big tournament.

Obviously, Tiger Woods is perhaps the most famous exponent of that. His charges up the leaderboard could definitely send shockwaves across an entire golf course.

But for those playing over the last 15 years, McIlroy probably has had that same ability. He is capable of producing the most incredible moments of quality, particularly when the pressure is on and the tournament is on the line.

And it is fascinating to hear someone as accomplished as Noren admit that there are mental challenges to deal with whenever he gets the chance to tee it up with the world number three.