Jack Nicklaus has won 18 majors, more than any other golfer. He doesn’t watch too much golf, but he has begun following the career of youngster Rory McIlory. Calling into NBC during their telecast of the U.S. Open, he talked about the 22-year-old Northern Irishman and raved about his game and personality.
“His rhythm is beautiful, it just stays the same all the time,” Nicklaus said about McIlroy during a phone interview Sunday. “He has a great short game. I love his little moxie and the sort of way he walks, sort of like he’s a like a little cocksure about himself. I kind of like that in a guy. You gotta have confidence in yourself and what you’re doing.”
Nicklaus, who said McIlroy asked him for advice about how to close tournaments, continued to speak positively about the youngster. “I think this kid’s going to have a great career. He’s got all the components. He’s a nice kid, he’s got a pleasant personality. He’s humble when he needs to be humble and he’s confident when he needs to be confident.”
A year ago we said McIlroy was the real deal after watching him dominate at Quail Hollow and put together a sparkling opening round at the British Open as a 20-year-old. We appreciated the character he showed after losing his lead at the Masters. We also love the fun side of his life he displays, not to mention his longtime girlfriend/female friend, Holly Sweeney. At this point we’re in agreement with Nicklaus in enjoying McIlroy as a golfer. As long as he doesn’t turn out to be like Tiger Woods, there won’t be any reason to dislike him.
