Opinion & Analysis

What is brand McIlroy? Who cares

Published

12 years ago

Nov 17, 2014

“Tell me, what is brand McIlroy?” asked Mr. Gary Player’s son on Monday, according to a report on CBSSports.com.

Maybe the young Player has a point. Rory isn’t Tiger. He’s not Jack or Arnie. Maybe he’s not even Phil or Daly. So who is Rory McIlroy?

He’s your buddy who just happens to be ridiculously talented and has a lot of money. He’s not a robot and he’s not a Disney character.

He’s refreshingly honest with the media. He’s proved to be vulnerable on the golf course. He’s experienced the highest highs and some lows as well. Remember how much criticism he received for signing an equipment contract with Nike? Or when he bent his iron at the 2013 U.S. Open? Rory gives us everything and hides very little.

He’s a guy who sent out wedding invitations and then called off his marriage. He proceeded to date super models. He called Tiger and Phil old men. He popped the champagne too early at the 2014 Ryder Cup. He’s won four majors, is No. 1 ranked golfer in the world and signed what is rumored to be as big as a $200 million endorsement deal. Then he publicly joked he’d be a virgin otherwise.

He dropped his management team and started his own, even though he signed on the dotted line. He admitted he prefers to play when it’s 80 degrees and sunny, and not much wind.

He’s made of muscle now, but he’s still a kid from Northern Ireland with curly hair and a care-free attitude, that hits 436-yard bombs. With Rory, you just get the feeling he’s being himself. He’s vulnerable, humble, confident, respectful, disrespectful and everything in between.

Fans can relate to Rory, even though their golf games can’t. He’s not a robot, although he did defeat one in a commercial that one time. He didn’t grow up with Jack Nicklaus’ record posted on his childhood wall for motivation and relentlessly pursue the No. 19 at all costs, even though the record isn’t out of the question.

He’s really good, but he seemingly doesn’t care too much. Not saying he doesn’t care, but he just doesn’t care too much. We’re drawn to Rory McIlroy, but we’re not star-struck. We marvel at his talent and potential. We don’t try to emulate him, we just respect his game and acknowledge his ability.

We like Rory because we know people like Rory. He’s our buddy and handles the media, fame and bottomless bank account just like our best friend would. He seems like a guy you could grab a beer with.

Maybe his brand won’t live on for eternity like Tiger, Jack or Jordan. Who cares?

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Andrew Tursky

He played on the Hawaii Pacific University Men's Golf team and earned a Masters degree in Communications. He also played college golf at Rutgers University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.

14 Comments

Beacher50

Nov 23, 2014 at 3:51 pm

but is he a good tipper?

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gradgolfer

Nov 20, 2014 at 7:33 am

There’s no debate Rory is by far the greatest player in the world, at present. The most destructive player since Tiger in his prime, when he’s on, nobody can compete. Simply the most incredible ball striker, Seeing that ball flight… makes tigers stingers look tame. The Driving! what is going on??? this guy is 5ft 9!!! Making the majority of Long guys look short?? I Predict he’ll go past Bubba in 2015 driving distance???? Does he have a golfing weakness when he’s playing well? Prediction- Rory to break the ’18’???? Better than Tiger ever was… no doubt.

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Snowman

Nov 19, 2014 at 5:47 pm

If Rory stays humble and and grounded, and keeps winning majors… he could be the 2nd most popular player ever (after Arnie). He is very easy to like.

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marcel

Nov 18, 2014 at 9:05 pm

Rory is the guy we waited for… hard work and talent

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Golfraven

Nov 18, 2014 at 6:57 pm

Rory is Rory. Very humble because of his hard working (class) family who supported his carrier during his teens. Without the support of his dad and mom he would not be #1 or nowhere in top 100 – still today. He is not the usual colleague golf boy like Ricky, Jordan, Webb, Bill … you name them. Glad he called of the wedding. He has amazing 5-10 years ahead. I can see he will win more majors as long he keeps his eyes on the ball – proved it this year. He would be certainly in my dream four some together with Sergio.

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Ian

Nov 18, 2014 at 3:40 pm

I knew instantaneously you wrote this, your titles are hilarious.

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jcorbran

Nov 18, 2014 at 10:35 am

Drink Jager with Rory, mmmm Jager 🙂

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dapadre

Nov 18, 2014 at 4:47 am

Rors is that guy golf has been waiting for. Your best friend next door who just happens to be Uber talented. Fans love him because of this, he acts just like your best friend would and later you could joke about it with some beer. He is great but reminds you he is human, something Tiger lost along the way. The connection with the fans. we loved him and he seemed to turn on us as if we were not on his level. We knew that golf wise, but we all got to the toilet Tiger. I like this kid and to be honest always have since I saw him as a 16yr golfer here in Europe. Whats scary is, he has that old Tiger aura or should I say Rors aura. When he is on he is ON and the rest of the field knows it. Im looking forward to see him carry the torch and I reckon we will see some great battles and hopefully he stays like best friend next door.

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Bob

Nov 17, 2014 at 10:32 pm

Idiot. The article clearly states 2013 US Open!

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jim

Nov 17, 2014 at 10:22 pm

rory is like a young tiger

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Name

Nov 17, 2014 at 10:11 pm

This article is useless. Who cares what you write! So trite!

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Matthew Carter

Nov 17, 2014 at 9:37 pm

Well written article Andrew.
Rory is the real deal.
What’s not to like about him? You gotta love a Euro!

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Wldchld22

Nov 17, 2014 at 9:12 pm

he is a great blend of Phil Mickelson and Gary player and that will do just fine for him. He’s great for the game and I love to watch this kid putt!

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Clint

Nov 17, 2014 at 8:55 pm

I Think you’ve hit the nail on the head.

All of the above is exactly why we like him.

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Opinion & Analysis

AVL: My U.S. Amateur local qualifying experience

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Andrew Von Lossow

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Getting to the highlight of the round on the par five 17th, a drive up the left side and 212 yards left to the front hole location. I took out a 5-iron with plans of middle of the green. The ball ended up 8 feet left of the hole, pin high. A slight downhill putt dropped in for an eagle 3 on the 17th. With the cut line looking to be anywhere from -2 to even par. This was the boost I had been waiting for all day.

With making par from the trees on 18, it was time to wait for a potential playoff with a posted score of one under par 71.

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