Rory McIlroy made a huge impact on golf, and it’s still being felt today. He joined the elite lineup with wins at Congressional and again in 2014, making it clear he was here to stay. McIlroy brought a ton of energy and excitement to the sport, and fans loved him for it. But what really sets him apart is his genuinely nice guy personality. You don’t often see athletes at his level being so open and kind. McIlroy’s always been willing to chat with the press and share his thoughts, which has made him a fan favorite.

via Imago

In the latest YouTube episode by No Laying Up Podcast, Kevin Van Valkenburg (KVV) shared a great story about Rory McIlroy. He recalled a moment after McIlroy’s tough performance at the 2015 PGA Championship, where McIlroy impressed golf writers with his candor and charisma. He spoke graciously about Jordan Spieth‘s rise to number one, showing a side of himself that was both humble and funny. “Rory was really good… he talked about Jordan Spieth becoming number one, and he was very complimentary, very nice, like funny”.

One of the writers turned to the others and said, “We don’t realize how good we’ve got it. The number one player in the world is friendly, charismatic, and willing to engage with the press? This isn’t always going to be the case.” It’s a moment that’s stuck with KVV, and it’s easy to see why – McIlroy’s unique blend of talent, humility, and charisma is a rare find in any sport. Fast forward to today, and it’s hard not to notice the difference. Scottie Scheffler, for example, is certainly nice and friendly, but it’s not quite the same sort of charm that McIlroy exuded. “Scotty is certainly nice and friendly, but it’s not quite the same sort of charm.”

Well, not to add fuel to the fire, but if we compare the temperament instances between Scheffler and McIlroy, Scheffler would come first, and that too by a significant number. I mean, the guy was caught dropping an F-bomb on live TV after a frustrating shot – that’s not exactly the most composed moment. It happened on the 553-yard Par 4, where Scheffler hit his second shot into the water and then bungled his next swing. He was visibly frustrated, repeatedly questioning how his ball didn’t land on the green. Meanwhile, McIlroy has always been known for keeping his cool, even when things aren’t going his way.

USA Today via Reuters

As we watch the golfer rise to the top again, it’s worth wondering, what makes McIlroy so likable? Well, one too many things honestly, but perhaps McIlroy’s niceness is both a blessing and a curse.

Rory McIlroy’s ‘Mr Nice Guy’ personality may not work out in the long run

Rory McIlroy’s praise for Scottie Scheffler at the 2024 Genesis Invitational was impressive, but journalist Paul McGinley thinks McIlroy’s niceness might be a weakness. “He’s such a nice guy,” McGinley said. “When he’s asked a question, he gives such an honest answer. But sometimes that gives an edge to your competitor.” This was evident when McIlroy gave advice to Scheffler, only to be dominated by him at a tournament. McGinley’s comments highlight the delicate balance between being open and honest and protecting one’s competitive edge.

McGinley drew a parallel between McIlroy and Tiger Woods, highlighting their different approaches to the game. “Tiger Woods was so guarded in that instance,” McGinley said. “He would never give David Duval a boost up and say, you know, how great a player David was.” Woods’ guarded nature gave him an edge, and McGinley thinks McIlroy could learn from that. “I think Rory is at his best when he’s got an edge,” McGinley stated. This raises an interesting question about whether McIlroy’s niceness is a strength or a weakness, and whether he needs to adopt a more guarded approach to stay ahead of the 2025 competition.