Golf Channel pundits Rex Hoggard and Ryan Lavner have massively disagreed about Rory McIlroy after the Northern Irishman’s woeful Open Championship performance at Royal Troon.
Many expected the Northern Irishman to bounce back from his US Open disappointment on Scotland’s west coast. However, the four-time major champion never really gave himself a genuine chance of making the cut.
McIlroy angered many fans after admitting he had pretty much given up after making an eight on the fourth hole during his second round.
Speaking after missing out on the weekend, the Northern Irish star revealed that he’s found windy conditions challenging during the 2024 season.
Rex Hoggard and Ryan Lavner shared differing Rory McIlroy opinions
Speaking on the latest edition of the Golf Channel Podcast, Lavner claimed that McIlroy would probably be eager to take a lengthy sabbatical away from the game.
“I think if Rory had his way and didn’t have to play the Olympics or the FedEx Cup playoffs, I think he would love a lengthy sabbatical here,” said Lavner. “The ability to take three or four months off and process what happened at Pinehurst.
“To come up with a game plan for 2025. As much as he can say he has never been closer to winning a major championship, he has to step back and look at the gulf that now exists in the completeness of his game compared to Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele.
He added: “I am sure of it. Rory would love an extended break. But I’m curious to see what he can manage over the next four to six weeks and if any changes will be made to Rory’s game in 2025.”
Hoggard, however, disagreed. “I think you are off on that one,” Hoggard replied. “I think that’s the beauty of professional golf. The beauty is that, okay, I struggled today… and Pinehurst is the primary example here, the pain of that and being so close and letting it slip through your fingers. But he was able to get back on the course.
“But when Rory missed the cut, I think whatever happened at Royal Troon had less to do with Pinehurst and those last four holes; he just caught on the wrong side of the draw.”
Lavner responded: “No, he didn’t get caught on the wrong side of the draw! He didn’t have his best game. He said there were strategic elements he was unprepared for. He didn’t putt well enough in the wind.
“If you look at the major season he has had, he was not a factor at the Masters; he was really on the outskirts of contention at the PGA Championship, and then in the Open Championship, he shot his worst score in a major since Portrush five years ago.”
Rory McIlroy needs to discover winning touch
- READ MORE: What Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods have both said about the 2025 Open Championship at Portrush
Clearly, whatever McIlroy did so well during his dominant win at the Wells Fargo Championship has completely vanished.
And the four-time major champion’s focus will be on quickly getting back to winning ways.
It’s important to remember just how close he came to clinching the US Open. If it hadn’t been for a few short missed putts, it would’ve been one of the great major championship performances.
Regarding the debate above, it’s difficult not to side with Hoggard. With the tour returning stateside, favourable traditional conditions will once again take centre stage.
And there should be ample opportunity for McIlroy to return to the winners’ circle as the end of the PGA Tour season comes into view.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
