The Niggle: What can we expect from Rory McIlroy in 2015?

As Rory McIlroy gets his 2015 season underway at the HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championships, we ponder what sort of year the world number one will have.

It’s all about the Green Jacket for Rory in 2015 to complete his career Grand Slam but will that pressure become too much?

How will he react if he doesn’t triumph at Augusta? Will personal issues off the course affect his performance?

Members of the team at National Club Golfer give their views.

JS – Although I expect him to challenge in every tournament he plays and maintain his No.1 status, I just can’t see anything like 2014 happening again.

He’ll come close in a couple but think he could walk away empty handed when it comes to the Majors.

He’ll be under so much pressure to win at Augusta and if that doesn’t happen it might leave him a little bit flat for the rest of the year.
Barring injury, I can’t see how he won’t mop up another four or five wins and at least one more Major" MT – When one season ends it’s always far too easy to expect more of the same the following one. Think of all the talk over Henrik Stenson last year and McIlroy two years ago. 

That said, barring injury, I can’t see how he won’t mop up another four or five wins and at least one more Major. 

As much for the state of his own brilliant game as well as a lack of genuine challengers on a regular basis.

KH – I remember not so long ago that Rory claimed he was going to be “married to golf” for a little while. But now we’re hearing that he’s got a new beau.

Erica Stoll is nowhere near as high profile as Caroline Wozniacki, which should help, and I just hope that he doesn’t get distracted again. 

If he continues to focus on his game, then he’ll keep winning Majors. But it’d be a shame if we start seeing Rory in the gossip columns more than on the sports pages.

DM – Why does everyone forget how streaky he has been in his career to date? Based on history, I don’t see him dominating this season as he did last. And don’t forget about the court case against his former management company that begins next month and will be full of salacious details and distractions. 

I say no Majors for Rory this year. Then just when everyone is saying he is washed up he’ll claim another two in 2016.

WHAT DO YOU THINK RORY WILL ACHIEVE IN 2015?

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