Spieth Eyes Career Slam at PGA Championship, While McIlroy’s “Rory Slam” Gains Traction

Jordan Spieth is looking to complete his career Grand Slam next week at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow. Inspired by Rory McIlroy’s recent success at the Masters, Spieth hopes to join the elite group of players who have won all four major golf tournaments.

Spieth, who has already won the 2015 Masters, the 2015 US Open, and the 2017 British Open, will attempt his ninth shot at the elusive career Slam. The 31-year-old has not won a major since his victory at the 2017 British Open, and his last win came at the 2022 PGA Heritage tournament.

The pursuit of the career Slam is a challenge that Spieth shares with McIlroy, who faced a similar journey. McIlroy had failed ten times to complete his career Slam at Augusta National before finally winning the Masters last month. This victory was McIlroy’s first major win since 2014.

Inspiration from McIlroy’s Triumph

Spieth has been vocal about how McIlroy’s achievement inspired him. He highlighted the challenge McIlroy faced during his pursuit of the Masters, which took a long time to achieve. Spieth acknowledged that it was a powerful reminder of the difficulties that come with trying to win a major after a long gap. He feels motivated by McIlroy’s persistence and success.

Spieth, who had left wrist surgery last August, showed signs of returning to form with a final-round 62 at last week’s Byron Nelson. He will now head to Quail Hollow, a course where he finished 28th in his first attempt at the career Slam in 2017.

Spieth’s Pursuit of History

Since his last major win, Spieth has had five top-four finishes in majors, including a third-place tie at the 2019 PGA Championship at Bethpage Black. Despite these strong performances, Spieth has yet to capture another major.

The fact that Spieth must pursue the career Slam on different courses each year adds another layer of difficulty. McIlroy, on the other hand, had to return to Augusta National every year for his pursuit. Spieth’s challenge is compounded by the fact that each major is played on a different course.

McIlroy explained that although players focus on winning the tournament itself, the added pressure of pursuing history can be overwhelming. He mentioned that it was a unique feeling to be trying to win not just another tournament but to become part of history. Spieth is likely feeling that weight as he heads into the PGA Championship.

McIlroy’s Calendar Slam Ambitions

While Spieth focuses on completing his career Slam, McIlroy is now in the conversation for a “Rory Slam.” If McIlroy wins the PGA Championship, US Open, and British Open in 2025, it would mark a calendar Grand Slam, a feat only a handful of players have achieved.

McIlroy’s victory at the Masters has set the stage for what could be another dominant year. The Northern Irishman has already won major titles at Pebble Beach, The Players Championship, and now Augusta National. The upcoming PGA Championship at Quail Hollow will be a key moment in McIlroy’s pursuit of the calendar Slam.

A Familiar Course for McIlroy

Quail Hollow is a course that McIlroy knows well. He has won four times at this venue in PGA Tour events, making him a favorite heading into next week’s major. In addition to his Masters win, McIlroy was the US Open runner-up in 2023 and 2024. His next challenge will come at Portrush, a Northern Ireland course he knows intimately, where this year’s British Open will take place.

Shane Lowry, who won the 2019 British Open at Portrush, recognizes the significance of McIlroy’s return to the course. He believes McIlroy’s return to Portrush as a Masters champion will take some of the pressure off Lowry.

McIlroy’s Masters Victory Inspires Fellow Players

McIlroy’s triumph at the Masters has not only sparked a conversation about his potential for a calendar Slam but has also motivated his peers. Justin Thomas, a two-time PGA Championship winner, believes McIlroy’s success sets a high bar for the upcoming season.

Thomas emphasized that McIlroy was already on a good run before his Masters victory. He believes McIlroy is playing better than anyone this year, even before his recent triumph.

Schauffele’s Views on Career Slam

While Spieth and McIlroy chase history, Xander Schauffele, who won last year’s PGA Championship and British Open, remains focused on his own future. Schauffele admitted that achieving a career Slam is a long-term goal but not something he is close to yet.

Schauffele expressed the difficulty of such an accomplishment and the importance of positioning oneself for it. He stated that winning another major is necessary before he can even be considered in discussions about a career Slam.