John McHenry exclusive
Former Irish professional golfer John McHenry is backing Rory McIlroy to end his 10 year major drought in 2024. “Yeah absolutely I think Rory McIlroy could win all four major championships this year”, said McHenry. In 2023 McIlroy finished in a tie for seventh at the PGA Championship and this started a run of 10 top 10 finishes in a row. “I think he is one of the form players in the world and I think on his day a really strong week no one matches Rory in terms of talent”, said McHenry. McIlroy was the best putter in 2023 DP World Tour season and started 2024 with 26 birdies but was unsuccessful in winning the Dubai Invitational. “Rory has a very aggressive game of golf which naturally suits his game and we need to get a week were he is very sharp mentally”, said former European Tour member.
McHenry finished third in 1998 Irish Open and believes a September date guarantees a better field. “If someone like Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry say they are available in September then you are going to move as fast as you possibly can”. Both the Irish Open and BMW PGA Championship will attract the best Europeans in September. “The body of the season will be played up to September in America then after that it’s the European side”, said McHenry.
Tom McKibbin is currently 21 years old and won his first tournament on the DP World Tour in 2023. “I think Tom has great potential”, said former European Tour member. McHenry believes that McKibbin can take inspiration from 2023 Europe Ryder Cup star Ludvig Aberg. “I think there is no doubt about it Tom is one of the exciting stars on the DP World Tour and he’s not in a Ludvig Aberg class but he is not very far away”. McKibbin started 2024 with a tied 25th finish at Dubai Invitational.
Leona Maguire became a multiple LPGA Tour winner in 2023 at Meijer LPGA Classic. “I think Leona knows that she can beat these players when she is on form”, said McHenry. Maguire played in her second Solheim Cup in 2023 and won three out of five games. “Leona has the self believe, determination, and when she gets her eye in she has proving that she is as good as anyone”, said former European Tour member. Maguire’s challenge for a maiden major win will start at The Chevron Championship in April.
In both 2022 and 2023 Padraig Harrington won six times on the Champions Tour. “I think he is going to keep winning on the Champions Tour”, said McHenry. The three-time major winner will play on several tours in 2024 which will include DP World Tour and Champions Tour. “I expect him to remain competitive on the main tour”, said McHenry.
Tiger Woods played his first professional tournament in seven months at Hero World Challenge in December 2023. “It’s great to see him back but I think that golf needs Tiger”, said former European Tour member. McHenry believes that another major win could be possible for Woods. “I think he is still competitive I think he will be looking to Augusta National a golf course that he knows well to be competitive on the same with The Open”. Woods is targeting to play one tournament a month in 2024.
McHenry played on the European Tour for 12 years and looks back on Keith Pelley’s time as DP World Tour boss. “I argue that Pelley wasn’t good for the DP World Tour”. McHenry thinks the PGA Tour will dominate players schedule bar for a few Rolex events on the DP World Tour. “I think the unfortunate reality of it is that the DP World Tour is going to become a secondary tour”. Over the last two years major champions Cameron Smith, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson have left the PGA Tour for a new breakaway tour. “I think the tours themselves have both suffered massively since LIV participation”, said McHenry.