- With his come from behind victory Sunday at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, Rory McIlroy took over the number one spot in the world. People were quick to crown Rory as the next dominate golfer (I.E. Tiger Woods) and declare that we are currently in for an "Era Of Rory", as evidenced by his back to back victories in Liverpool and Akron.
Indeed, Rory's victories have brought in a lot of light in an otherwise bleak PGA Tour season, as big names continue to struggle to return to form. Rory returning to the top of the world seemed inevitable, as no one is as flashy and has as much talent in the men's game as Rory does. When Rory wins, he does so in style, and when he is playing at his best, there isn't a single part of his game that causes concern. He is the best in the world at everything, and could easily win multiple majors in a season.
That, however, also happens to be the problem with the McIlroy Era hype. While McIlroy is the most talented man in golf, he is also one of the streakiest, and sometimes finds times to disappear while at the peak of his game. After Rory's other two major victories where he absolutely dominated the field people were already making the Tiger Woods comparison, only for Rory to be hampered by a lack of form soon after those impressive victories. In fact, after each of his previous majors, Rory did not record another top 10 in a major championship for a full calender year.
What I am saying is, yes, Rory is no doubt the best in the world, but we need to see more before we start comparing him to some of the best to have ever played the game. Right now, he needs to focus on the PGA Championship. If he can somehow win two majors in a row, all bets are off. Of course, the entire golf world will also be looking ahead to the Masters, where Rory will try to complete the Career Grand Slam at the age of 25.
- You really have to feel for Sergio Garcia...well, at least I do. When Sergio got his start in the game, he ran right against the Tiger Woods Era of dominance. Sergio soared up the rankings and was on everyone's watch list, but he could never take down Tiger. Now Tiger has fallen and it looks like it can become Sergio's time to shine, but Rory McIlroy comes on the scene to take his place at the top, and now Sergio can't beat him, either. I still like Sergio's chances this week at Valhalla, but you have to wonder if back to back runner up finishes will end up doing him more harm than good.
- While the entire world was watching the Rory-Sergio duel, Geoff Ogilvy won his first PGA Tour event in four years. Ogilvy, most remembered for being one of the many men to be there on Sunday when Phil Mickelson couldn't win a US Open, had fallen hard, as injuries and a loss of form sent him all the way to 216th in the World Golf Rankings. In fact, had he not won, it looked like Ogilvy was on track to lost his PGA Tour card. Now he has status for another two years, and will play in the PGA Championship this week. Not bad for a man who almost didn't show up in Reno.
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