Rory McIlroy kicked whereas down as NBC voice makes back-handed ‘Greek God’ dig

Rory McIlroy’s hopes of profitable one other main have been publicly questioned after the Northern Irishman completed sixth on the Open Championship in Hoylake final weekend. The pre-tournament favorite had arrived at Royal Liverpool on the again of a victory on the Scottish Open, however couldn’t repeat his heroics on the Wirral shoreline, with American Brian Harman proving too sizzling to deal with.

McIlroy needed to accept tied sixth after ending six underneath by way of 72 holes, seven photographs adrift of the eventual champion. It signifies that the 34-year-old’s drought within the Majors will now transfer right into a tenth yr.

The final of his 4 Major triumphs got here on the identical Wirral course in 2014 however he has been unable so as to add to that tally regardless of having 37 profession tour wins to his identify.

After falling quick on Sunday, amid big help from the galleries in dreary climate, NBC Sports analyst Brandel Chamblee questioned whether or not McIlory was previous his bodily prime and doubted whether or not the previous world No. 1 would ever elevate a Major title once more.

As per GOLF.com Chamblee mentioned: “It’s almost like he’s trying to win his first major all over again. Except now, he’s not in his physical prime, and he’s got the weight of the world on his back.

“You reach your physical prime at about 26, 27, 28. Now I know you think he’s ripped, and he is ripped, all right? But you reach your physical prime 26, 27.

“I realize he’s rippin’ it, and he looks like a Greek god. But I’m talkin’ about, at 34, he doesn’t have as much runway in front of him as he did when he won his last major championship.”

Chamblee’s feedback prompted blended views on social media. @JeffreyFrost1 tweeted: “Rory can play at a very high level for years to come. But his problems are all about his putter. Unfortunately putting skills definitely deteriorate with age,” and @jwattsgators1 wrote: “Is the clock ticking faster for Rory now?”

But recalling how American Phil Mickelson gained the USA PGA Championship in 2021 aged 50, @Grant_Croft tweeted: “Man I am not a huge Rory fan but we just watched Phil win a major above FIFTY – what are we even talking about here?”

@ABoyle013 added: “Rory is right there in every major. Brandel Chamblee is sending out freezing cold takes on the regular.”

McIlroy gained the US Open in 2011 aged simply 22, changing into the younger ever winner of the match since beginner Bobby Jones in 1923. He can also be certainly one of solely three gamers to win 4 Majors by the age of 25.