Fred Couples issues bold Rory McIlroy prediction after private chat | Golf | Sport
McIlroy, 36, finally ended his long wait for a Green Jacket last year after more than a decade of near misses in Georgia. In doing so, he completed the career Grand Slam and lifted an enormous weight from his shoulders after years of falling short. Having witnessed his display on Thursday, Couples suggested McIlroy’s newfound composure could drive him to even greater achievements. If so, 2025 may only mark the beginning of an extraordinary new chapter in the Northern Irishman’s storied career.
“For the really good players, I think they want it like this,” said Couples after witnessing McIlroy’s first round at Augusta. “I know the Jon Rahms, the Schefflers, the Spieths, the Rorys.
“By the way, Rory may never lose this thing again after last year. I said that to my caddie, on I think, the 12th hole. Then he birdied, made a couple coming in.”
Couples, 66, enjoyed an impressive start of his own at Augusta on Thursday. The 1992 Masters champion birdied each of the opening two holes and appeared well placed to make the cut as he sat two-under approaching the 15th.
It was at that point, however, that a nightmarish quadruple-bogey sent him crashing down the leaderboard. Two further double bogeys on the 16th and 17th holes leave him at six-over heading into Day 2, requiring something of a miracle to reach the championship rounds.
Yet despite his dramatic collapse, the Green Jacket holder remained composed about his chances at Augusta. And he knows precisely what he must avoid, at the very least.
“Tomorrow I just have to go do the same thing,” he said upon returning to the clubhouse on Thursday. “But maybe not finish 10-over par on two holes or whatever the hell I did.”
“I think the best way that I can describe it is…for the past 17 years I just could not wait for the tournament to start, and this year I wouldn’t care if the tournament never started,” said the world No. 2. “Yeah, it’s completely different. I feel so much more relaxed.”
That was certainly evident in his opening-round performance as McIlroy produced some of his sharpest golf. However, this would not be the first occasion he has burst out of the Augusta blocks only to unravel further down the line.
