What wins in modern golf—passion that burns bright but flickers, or consistency that grinds relentlessly? That question sits at the heart of Paul McGinley’s latest assessment of Rory McIlroy’s future. The former Ryder Cup captain recently appeared on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast to discuss McIlroy’s exceptional 2025 season. Yet his most revealing comments focused on the Northern Irishman’s toughest challenge ahead.

Rory McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam at Augusta National in April. He captured his seventh Race to Dubai title in November. He helped Europe secure a historic away Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage Black. By any measure, 2025 stands as one of the greatest seasons in golf history. Still, McGinley sees a fundamental issue that could prevent McIlroy from ever reclaiming the W

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