Why Gary Player’s 2017 prediction about Rory McIlroy now looks intriguing
By Filipe Guedes | Last updated Dec 31, 2025 8:40 AM ET
Rory McIlroy has five major titles to his name, putting him four behind Gary Player’s career tally.
Player is among the game’s most accomplished figures, and it is likely that in a decade’s time, McIlroy will be discussed in similar terms.
The South African has long been an admirer of McIlroy.
In 2015, Player called McIlroy the best golfer of his generation and predicted he would go on to win more majors.
NC State Players Musa Sagnia, Quadir Copeland and Ven-Allen Lubin on the Relief of Winning First ACC Game
The nine-time major champion has also stepped in to defend the Northern Irishman on several occasions.
For instance, when Sir Nick Faldo criticised McIlroy’s training methods back in 2015, Player came to his defence.
The legendary South African made some interesting comments about the then four-time major winner back in 2017. Here is what he had to say at the time.
Gary Player’s 2017 comments on Rory McIlroy have aged very well
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Player knows the game as well as anyone.
Having been one of the world’s top players himself, he understands the kind of pressure and attention that comes with a career like McIlroy’s.
Back in 2016, during an interview with the Daily Mail, Player shared his thoughts on where professional golf was heading. He also had some interesting views on McIlroy.
“If Tiger were around, it would be 20 per cent better, but 80 per cent is not bad.
“It would be my instinct that Rory will establish himself as No 1, but I don’t know what his passion is. I don’t know what his dreams are.
“If he has the passion, if he has the desire, if he is prepared to make the sacrifice. There are so many ifs.”
The question about Rory is still up in the air. His career is not finished yet and there is every chance that he wins more majors in the future.
Rory McIlroy’s next challenge: reigniting the fire
After finally winning the Masters, talk quickly turned to how many more majors the Northern Irishman could add to his tally, with some even predicting he would reach double figures.
But few considered how achieving that lifelong goal might affect his drive and focus. As it turned out, reaching that milestone seemed to take a bit of the edge off. Even McIlroy has been open about this.
“The last few weeks I’ve had a couple weeks off, and grinding on the range for three or four hours every day is maybe a little tougher than it used to be,” the five-time major winner said in June.
“You have this event in your life that you’ve worked towards and it happens, sometimes it’s hard to find the motivation to get back on the horse and go again.”
The Masters had always been at the top of his list. Once he crossed that off, it left a bit of a void.
Since then, he has spoken about setting new targets for himself, with many expecting him to return stronger in 2026.
Looking back, Player’s comments from 2017 seem especially relevant now. Hopefully, McIlroy can find what he needs to stay motivated going forward
