Rory McIlroy has been the talk of the sporting world after securing a historic second successive Green Jacket at the Masters last weekend.
The Irishman won his sixth major by a single stroke from Scottie Scheffler, holding his nerve in the final round to win at Augusta for a second year running.
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Though this triumph had nothing on the heart-stopping drama of last year’s final round, there were still plenty of nervous moments for McIlroy to weather on Sunday at Augusta.
McIlroy has been a repeat guest on The Overlap’s Stick to Football in recent years, and the panel discussed his back-to-back Masters wins on this week’s episode.
Fellow Irish icon Roy Keane had been somewhat critical of McIlroy and Team Europe at last year’s Ryder Cup for how they responded to the remarkably hostile reception from the American crowd.
However, after McIlroy’s sixth major win was secured, Keane has changed his tune, praising the 36-year-old for holding firm under pressure at Augusta.
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Roy Keane on McIlroy’s Masters win
It’s no secret that Roy Keane is not quite as big a golf fan as Ian Wright and the rest of the Stick to Football crew.
However, Rory McIlroy’s sublime performance at the Masters last weekend had the former Manchester United captain hooked to the TV.
Keane: Yeah, brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. You know what, I watched most of it, I really enjoyed it. I said to Wrighty on Friday…
Wright:Â He said to me, ‘It’s over,’ on the Friday. Honestly, starting all that bollocks with me again…
Keane:Â But was I right?!
Indeed, Keane was proven right, with McIlroy holding firm across the weekend to claim the Green Jacket once again.
Most of the work was, in truth, done on Thursday and Friday. McIlroy carded 67 and 65 in the opening two rounds to take a six-shot lead into the weekend, but would remain at -12 through the weekend, having to fight off the chasing pack as they neared in.
That, in particular, earned high praise from Roy Keane, who highlighted that others faltered where McIlroy had held firm.
You’re on about sport, I’d imagine golfers…you’re on about where Arsenal are at the moment, sports psychologists and all…the golfers’ emotional rollercoaster on a course.
Was it Justin Rose missing a few shots? What a huge moment.
Indeed, Keane and his former Manchester United teammate Paul Scholes felt that the mere presence of McIlroy had contributed to the wobbles suffered by the likes of Rose and Cam Young.
Keane: Put it this way, if you’re playing against these golfers —
Scholes:Â And Rory knows he’s got them…
Keane:Â Of course he does! If I just get my act together, I’ll do him. It’s like a soccer team.
Both of Rory McIlroy’s back-to-back Masters wins were historic in their own way.
Last year, the Irishman ended a 17-year wait for his maiden triumph at Augusta, finally completing the career Grand Slam, becoming just the sixth player in history to win all four Majors.
With his second Augusta triumph, he becomes just the fourth player in history to win back-to-back at the iconic course.
On his most recent Stick to Football appearance, McIlroy gifted the panel with a pin flag from his first Masters triumph. Absent for that gift, Paul Scholes is keen to be present should McIlroy gift another one to the team.
Keane:Â Are we gonna get another flag off him?
Wright:Â We should get 25 and 26!
Scholes:Â Well, I actually want one, one will do.
Neville:Â We’ll get one for you – Rory, can you get one for Scholesy?
Scholes [to Keane]:Â I’m very jealous. He doesn’t even like golf and he’s got a fucking Masters flag!
Keane:Â I do like golf! I don’t play it, but I do like watching it.
It seems as though Rory McIlroy may have won Roy Keane over to golf.
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