WORLD renowned golf coach David Leadbetter has weighed-in on Rory McIlroy’s major drought.
The Northern Irishman has failed to add to his four major titles wins since 2014.
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Rory McIlroy after missing a putt for par on the fifth green during the final round of the 124th U.S. Open golf championship at Pinehurst NO. 2
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Coach David Leadbetter reckons McIlroy’s iron play is the reason he hasn’t won a major in ten years
Holywood hostshot McIlroy came close earlier this summer but imploded on the final hole at the US Open at Pinehurst No.2.
McIlroy missed a par putt from inside four feet to throw his rival an unexpected lifeline.
It meant DeChambeau only had to par the last two holes to win a tournament he must have thought had slipped out of his grasp – and the big-hitting American was up to the task as McIlroy’s ten year wait for a fifth Major continued.
McIlroy has been unable to win a fifth, although the Northern Irishman did claim 17 titles from 2015 to 2024 but no more illusive major titles sit on his mantle piece.
And now, renowned swing coach David Leadbetter has suggested that the Down native needs to improve on his iron play if he’s to get over the line once again in a major.
Many have looked towards the 36-year-old’s wedge game as an issue but Leadbetter reckons it’s his irons.
Speaking to The Straight Times, the Englishman said: “Personally, I think it’s technical. If you break the game down, he’s a great driver, actually a pretty good putter – he has a great short game.
“If you look at the statistics, it’s there to see that his iron play lets him down. There’s something in his technique which doesn’t allow him to be as precise or accurate with his iron play.
“Under pressure, his iron play is the thing that lets him down and that’s what the statistics bear out.”
Originally from the UK, Leadbetter rose to prominence in the 1980s by helping players like Nick Faldo reach their peak.
Rory McIlroy plays left-handed using his putter backwards before snapping club in eventful morning at PGA Championship
He used significant swing changes as one of his techiniques, which he calls the ‘Leadbetter Method,’
This emphasises bio-mechanical understanding and swing efficiency.
Leadbetter has coached numerous PGA and LPGA Tour players, including Ernie Els, Michelle Wie, and Lydia Ko.
