John McEnroe Playfully Jabs at Rory McIlroy’s Major Drought During US Open Semifinals
Tennis legend John McEnroe couldn’t resist taking a light-hearted jab at Rory McIlroy during the 2024 US Open semifinals. McIlroy, a four-time Major golf champion, has been without a Major win since 2014.
McEnroe made his remark while watching the match between Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz, which McIlroy attended on September 7, ahead of his own golfing commitments on the DP World Tour.
When commentator Chris Fowler pointed out McIlroy’s presence, referring to him as a “multiple Major winner,” McEnroe quipped, “Been a long time though,” alluding to McIlroy’s decade-long Major title drought.
Despite coming close to victory on several occasions, including a narrow loss at the 2024 US Open (golf) to Bryson DeChambeau, McIlroy has struggled to secure another Major title. His most recent near miss came earlier this year when three bogeys on the final four holes cost him the chance to break his drought by just a single stroke.
McIlroy’s Major Wins and Recent Performances
McIlroy’s first Major victory was at the 2011 US Open, followed by another win at the 2012 PGA Championship. In 2014, he claimed both The Open Championship and another PGA Championship, making him one of golf’s brightest stars. However, since then, he’s faced near misses in several Majors, finishing runner-up in The Open Championship (2018), The Masters (2022), and the US Open in both 2023 and 2024.
Despite his Major struggles, McIlroy’s 2024 season has been filled with success on the PGA and DP World Tours. He secured victories at the Wells Fargo Championship and the Zurich Classic, where he teamed up with Shane Lowry. He also claimed the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour, highlighting his consistent form outside the Majors.
McIlroy’s 2024 Season Overview
McIlroy’s 2024 season has been a mixture of triumphs and disappointments. While he’s performed well in several tournaments, he hasn’t been able to convert that form into a Major win. His best finish came at the US Open, where he placed second, following strong performances at the Wells Fargo Championship and the Zurich Classic.
As he prepares for his next event at the Amgen Irish Open from September 12 to 15 at Royal County Down GC, McIlroy will look to carry his strong form into the latter half of the year, with hopes of ending his Major drought in 2025.
Conclusion
John McEnroe’s playful jab at Rory McIlroy may highlight the golfer’s ongoing Major title drought, but McIlroy’s success in regular tournaments continues to prove his skill and tenacity. While he has come close to breaking his Major drought in recent years, McIlroy remains one of the top players in the world, and fans eagerly await his next Major victory.
