Among the many things that Sport gives us, one consistent strand is its role as an unforgiving teacher of life lessons. Rory McIlroy was sailing the clouds after winning three of the most sought after titles in quick succession. As the top 125 men on the tour reached the first of four FedExCup events, many wondered if McIlroy could somehow sustain his magical dream.
That was when sport decided to play dutiful butler and wake up the young man with a sudden jolt. In the lead up to The Barclays, McIlroy’s time was consumed by a tour to Manchester United – his favourite football club – where he indulged his fans and the club parading the wares of his stunning success.
By the time he reached New Jersey – McIlroy, now the world No.1, barely had any time to sharpen his game for the challenges that were to confront him at The Barclays. Last week is history in sport and neither the sweet scent of success nor the soothing touch of silver can come to a sportsperson’s aid when they stick in their first tee at the next tournament.
Sport is an unforgiving creature which has no time to reminisce the past or ponder over the future. It lives in the moment and rewards those that are best prepared to embrace the present. Even a benign course like the one at Ridgewood bared its fangs and stung a less than prepared McIlroy, causing him stumble to a 74 in the opening round.
It was just what the young golfer needed to recognise what it might take to stumble from the pedestal that he occupies. Life on the high street of sport comes with more than its share of pitfalls, take it for granted and rest assured that you shall be thrown into a depressive dark corridor without the least remorse.
Fortunately, McIlroy picked up the pieces from his misery last Thursday. First he was honest in admitting that he hadn’t prepared well enough for The Barclays, before quietly going about his business in the second round. He made amends with a brilliant 65, reassuring both himself and his fans that there was still plenty of golf left in his bag.
“It was going to come to an end sooner or later,” McIlroy said, seeking to offer some perspective after winning three in a row. “But at the end of the day, the great thing about golf is always there’s next week.”
