Rory McIlroy's golfing woes continue as the Northern Irishman's major drought extends into its 11th year.
The former world No. 1 has endured another disappointing season, failing to secure any top titles in 2024
McIlroy's frustrations were particularly evident at the US Open earlier this year.
A final-day collapse at Pinehurst No. 2 saw him squander a promising position, ultimately gifting the title to Bryson DeChambeau.
Despite a recent upturn in form, including a second-place finish behind Billy Horschel at the PGA Championship in Surrey, concerns persist about McIlroy's ability to recapture his best form.
Ernie Els, a former world No. 1 himself, has offered advice to McIlroy on how to improve his game.
Rory McIlroy has had a disastrous few months
Reuters
Speaking to MyGolfSpy, Els suggested that McIlroy should focus on refining his technique with short irons.
"He has to hit softer cut shots with his short irons," Els said. "Get absolute control."
The South African drew parallels with Tiger Woods' approach, noting, "There's a reason Tiger played his best with a little soft cut.
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"When you have that much power, you need to get control of the ball with a little cut spin."
Els believes adopting this technique could help McIlroy regain his form and overcome recent setbacks.
McIlroy has openly addressed his struggles this year. After his recent PGA Championship performance, he remarked, "Look, it's golf and I'm playing well. These things happen."
However, he also made a concerning admission that "the game is testing me."
Despite the challenges, McIlroy maintains an optimistic outlook.
He stated, "All I can do is keep showing up and trying to play the golf that I've been playing and sooner or later it's going to end up in a win."
The golfer views his career as a long-term journey, saying, "If you think of my career as a 30-year journey, it's only one year in a 30-year journey, and hopefully the other 29 are a little more productive or a little bit better."
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Ernie Els has given some advice to Rory McIlroy
PA
As McIlroy enters his mid-thirties, the challenge of regaining his top form becomes increasingly daunting.
Els acknowledges this, stating, "It's not going to get easier, that's for sure."
The South African highlights the mental hurdles McIlroy faces, particularly after his US Open disappointment.
"Pinehurst, that is going to sting for a long time," Els remarked.
Rory McIlroy suffered heartbreak at the US Open
Reuters
Despite these challenges, McIlroy's recent performances suggest he still has the potential to compete at the highest level.
However, the golfing world watches with bated breath to see if he can overcome the mental and technical obstacles that have hindered his progress in recent years.
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