Golf Analyst Says Rory McIlroy’s Next Career-Defining Win May Demand Patience Over Power

Golf analyst Kevin Van Valkenburg has identified a potential career-defining victory for Rory McIlroy, suggesting that winning a US Open or The Open Championship on a tough, firm course would greatly enhance his legacy. McIlroy, who completed his career Grand Slam earlier in 2025 and holds 30 PGA Tour titles including six majors, has only one US Open title to his name — the 2011 victory at Congressional, which was played in soft conditions. Valkenburg, speaking on the 5 Clubs show, noted that a win with a winning score around plus-2 or three under on a demanding setup would be particularly meaningful to the World No. 2.