Rory’s passion for the game
By his own high standards, 2021 wasn’t a great year competitively for Rory Mcilroy. He failed to fire in the Majors, narrowly missed an Olympic medal and played poorly at the Ryder Cup. But when it comes to displaying a passion for, and commitment to, golf, the Northern Irishman can hold his head high. For example, he recently announced he’s been working with the GEO Foundation to become carbon neutral. Recognising the importance of sustainability to golf’s future, he’s blazing a trail for other top players to follow.
Rory also showed his personal passion for golf in 2021. He was visibly emotional as he tearfully discussed his Ryder Cup performance back in September at Whistling Straits. Then in November, following a poor final nine holes in Dubai at the DP World Tour Championship, he was photographed in the recorder’s hut having ripped his shirt post-round.
That level of fervour is seen across other ball sports but is rarely on display in the relatively restrained world of professional golf. In the main, the top golfers keep their emotions in check: a poker face and stiff upper lip are the order of the day.
That may be an effective competitive strategy, but it doesn’t exactly sell the sport to the viewing public. Spectators want to see emotions and Rory is selling the drama of our sport by laying his bare. I’m not saying players should be damaging equipment or screaming profanities, but some raw passion from the world’s best golfers will get fans turning up and tuning in.
Jon Rahm’s animalistic roar on the final green of the US Open this year is an image that will remain in the sport viewing public’s conscience, just like Tiger’s celebration at Torrey Pines in 2008 or Seve’s at St Andrews in 1984. Those were triumphant releases of emotion, but emotions can be as strong in defeat and sports fans will embrace and remember them too.
Think of Andy Murray’s tears after losing the Wimbledon final in 2012, or Gazza’s after his yellow card against West Germany at Italia ’90. Those images encapsulate the passion and desire of the players. Most will empathise with such feelings of disappointment. Rory’s tears and shirt-ripping fury get people talking about, and interested in, the game.
Passionate professionals will inspire youngsters to pick up a club. If the best golfers in the world don’t seem particularly interested in the game, why should anyone else be?
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