Rory McIlroy Joins Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in Golf’s History Books

Published 06/13/2022, 3:18 PM EDT

Rory McIlroy joined an elite group of golfers with his latest win in the RBC Canadian Open. He joined the likes of the Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Johnny Miller, and Tom Watson as the only players in the last 50 years to have 21 PGA Tour wins before turning 34.

The 33-year-old won his first PGA Tournament since the 2021 CJ Cup at The Summit Club in Las Vegas. It came after closing with an 8-under 62 to win a wild race to the finish with Tony Finau and Justin Thomas.

With his 21st PGA win, McIlroy became only the 6th person in the last 50 years to win 21 PGA Tour wins before the age of 34. It was no shocker when he finally had a PGA Tour win since he has been very close to the top 10 finishes in 2022.

Article continues below this ad

McIlroy’s exquisite career

Rory McIlroy had an impressive start to his career. He had his first PGA win at the age of 21 after winning the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow in 2010. He then went on to win 4 Majors in the next four years.

Elite company. 👏
Rory McIlroy joins Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Johnny Miller and Tom Watson as the only players in the last 50 years to have 21 PGA Tour wins before turning 34.
(H/T: @JustinRayGolf) pic.twitter.com/lImKEoYsM7
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) June 13, 2022

In his initial years, McIlroy was compared to the mighty Tiger Woods. However, after a few years, McIlroy seemed to have lost his thunder. He was not as consistent as in his early days. But since last year, he looked cleaner and better with his style of play.

PGA Tour Loyalist Justin Thomas Follows Rory McIlroy in Firing Shots at Greg Norman

He finished in 2nd position at the 2022 Masters and was in contention to win the Slync.io Dubai Dessert Classic for the third time in his career. Nonetheless, he finally had his big moment after successfully defending his RBC Canadian Open title at St. George Golf and Country Club.

Rory McIlroy takes a dig at LIV Golf’s CEO

Article continues below this ad

The RBC Canadian Open was scheduled during the same time as the inaugural LIV Golf event. McIlroy has been very outspoken about his disapproval of the Saudi-backed Golf Tour.

After his 21st win, Rory McIlroy took a dig at the CEO of LIV Golf, Greg Norman, who has 20 PGA Tour wins to his name. McIlroy said, “Twenty-first PGA Tour win, one more than someone else – that gave me a little extra incentive today and happy to get it done.”

Article continues below this ad

Still only 33 years of age, he has a long way ahead of his career. With most golfers making their way to the LIV Golf, McIlroy can dominate the PGA Tour in the coming years.

Watch This Story: Throwback to When Phil Mickelson Showed His Bizarre Fashion Sense on the Golf Course

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Abdul Bari is a Golf writer at EssentiallySports. Having completed his Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Abdul is currently pursuing his Master’s in the same. With great affection for the world of sports, this avid golf lover turned to the course at a young age.

Edited by:

Jito Tenson

Rory McIlroy Joins Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in Golf’s History Books

McIlroy’s exquisite career

Trending

Is Scottie Scheffler Taking a Paternity Leave to Support Wife Meredith and Their Baby?

Keegan Bradley Pushes for Greg Norman and Co.’s Presence in PGA Tour, as ‘New Rumors’ Raise Confusion

In Scottie Scheffler’s Absence, His Parents Earn Golf World’s Respect With ‘Hilarious and Wholesome’ Gesture

Rory McIlroy Becomes a Laughing Stock in Golf World as His PGA Tour Breakthrough Sparks Huge Doubts

Has Byron Nelson’s Legacy Been Destroyed by PGA Tour? Golf World’s Massive Outrage Over $9.5M Event Explained

Rory McIlroy takes a dig at LIV Golf’s CEO