PGA Championship: Jon Rahm Backs Rory McIlroy For Major Success

Jon Rahm believes Rory McIlroy could build on his recent Masters victory and achieve a series of major wins, starting with the PGA Championship. McIlroy ended an 11-year wait by winning his fifth major title at Augusta National last month, completing a career Grand Slam. This triumph positions him to potentially become the third golfer this century to win consecutive majors in a year, following Tiger Woods in 2002 and Jordan Spieth in 2015.

McIlroy's success at the Masters might allow him to play more freely at Quail Hollow this week. Rahm expressed confidence that McIlroy could establish a legacy similar to Xander Schauffele's two major victories last year. During a press conference in Charlotte, Rahm stated, "I would not be one bit surprised if this lifted a weight off his shoulders that could get him going on another run, a bit like Xander did last year."

McIlroy has faced several near-misses in his quest for a Masters title, with the most notable setback occurring in 2011. That year, he led by four shots going into the final round but ended up shooting an eight-over-par round. Rahm believes this experience created a significant mental barrier for McIlroy, which he has now overcome.

"To be honest, if that Masters in 2011 had gone his way, I think he would have achieved so much more than he has already," Rahm commented. He added that overcoming this hurdle was challenging for McIlroy and noted the emotional significance of finally winning at Augusta.

Rahm highlighted McIlroy's potential for future success by comparing him to other top players who have consistently contended for titles. "Wins one, gets another one, gets in contention many times, like Scottie [Scheffler] and many other players have done," Rahm said. He emphasized that with McIlroy's skill level, anything is possible.

Reflecting on McIlroy's game at Augusta National, Rahm remarked on how well-suited it is for the course. "When you see Rory's game, every time I go down to Augusta National," Rahm said, "I'm like, 'if there's ever a golf course that is perfect for this man who can hit a high draw on command better than anybody else, has great hands and great touch, it's him.'"

This recent victory may mark the beginning of another successful chapter in McIlroy's career as he aims to add more major titles to his name.