Rory McIlroy Explains Why It Will Be Particularly ‘Hard’ for Jordan Spieth to Complete the Career Grand Slam
Rory McIlroy Explains Why It Will Be Particularly ‘Hard’ for Jordan Spieth to Complete the Career Grand Slam
As the 2025 Masters approaches, the spotlight once again falls on Jordan Spieth and his long-standing quest to complete the elusive career Grand Slam. The three-time major champion has won the Masters (2015), U.S. Open (2015), and The Open Championship (2017), but the PGA Championship continues to elude him. While fans remain hopeful, Rory McIlroy — who is himself still chasing the Masters to complete his own Grand Slam — offered a candid perspective on why Spieth’s mission may be especially difficult.
Speaking to reporters this week, McIlroy acknowledged Spieth’s immense talent and accomplishments but didn’t shy away from pointing out the specific challenges Spieth faces.
“I think the PGA [Championship] has evolved over the past few years into arguably the most competitive of all four majors,” McIlroy said. “The courses they choose now are often long and demanding, favoring players who can hit it a mile and handle tough setups. That doesn’t exactly play into Jordan’s biggest strengths.”
Spieth, known for his exceptional short game and strategic course management rather than overpowering distance, has struggled at recent PGA Championships, with only one top-10 finish since 2019. McIlroy suggested that the nature of modern major setups might be working against Spieth’s style of play.
“Jordan can absolutely win it — he’s that good,” McIlroy added. “But if you look at the venues and the competition, it’s a hard ask. Especially now when you’ve got so many young guys who hit it 330 off the tee and have no fear.”
McIlroy, who has been in a similar position with his own Grand Slam ambitions, sympathized with the pressure Spieth faces.
“I know how it feels,” McIlroy said. “Every time Augusta comes around, I get reminded. It’s the same for him with the PGA. You start to feel like you have one shot a year, and that builds over time.”
Despite the hurdles, both players remain in the upper echelon of the golf world and are likely to contend in majors for years to come. But as McIlroy noted, the margins are razor-thin, and the Grand Slam remains one of golf’s rarest feats for a reason.
“Only five guys have ever done it,” McIlroy said. “That says everything.”
Would you like me to include quotes from Spieth himself or tournament context around the upcoming PGA Championship?
