Rory McIlroy: Will he be able to do justice to his potential?

Rory McIlroy’s dramatic win over Adam Scott last Sunday with a birdie on the final hole of the Australian Open brought him his elusive first title of the year. The title was more of a relief than joy for the talented golfer as 2013 have been particularly disappointing for the 24-year old Northern Ireland native as he struggled with his form. But to say that McIlroy’s 2013 season has been a total loss would be an understatement. Despite not winning a tournament till the Australian Open, he had managed seven top-10 finishes. For one of the most talented golfers in the world, though, it was barely a consolation.

Rory McIlroy is arguably the most talented player to have come to the sport after Tiger Woods and the constant pressure on him to do well in every tournament that he plays may have contributed in his inability to perform at his true potential. A total of 11 professional wins including two major championship victories since turning pro in 2007 would certainly qualify as doing pretty well but may be the world expects too much from him.

He started the year as the world’s No. 1 ranked player and a lucrative new equipment and apparel deal with Nike that created overwhelmingly high public expectations on the 24-year-old.That seemed to be where the trouble began in a season that also included management woes and the perceived trials and tribulations accompanying his long-distance relationship with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki.

Rory McIlroy has spent much of a till recently winless 2013 season searching for the remedy to an ailing golf swing. Personal and business matters aside, however, it appears McIlroy has finally found the right formula for success after close to a year of tinkering with and tweaking his golf equipment. Whatever the trouble was in 2013 or whatever combination of problems led to his poor play—McIlroy is re-establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with on the golf course heading into the new year.

Rory McIlroy would love to sign off the 2013 season with a victory in the Northwestern Mutual World Challenge event in California organized by Tiger Woods. The tournament starting next Sunday would see 18 of the best golfers of the world pitted against each other to win the trophy. Also a positive show in the showpiece event, together with his Australian Open victory, could very well be a sign of many more to come in 2014.

It’s true that McIlroy went through a stretch like this at the end of last year also that implied a great 2013. He was subsequently derailed by a number of things. But it’s safe to say he won’t be dealing with the mental issues he battled all year long this time around. So here’s to hoping that the Ulsterman can bridge the gap between 2013 and 2014 and carry his recent good form over to next season. Because golf needs him to be great.