Every so often, a commentator will make the same tired old Rory McIlroy gym work point.
Rory McIlroy hits the gym. For a lot of people, mainly auld fellas with a traditionalist mindset, this is a problem.
Some folks genuinely think that McIlroy maintaining a well-muscled body is impacting negatively on his game. A game, which he has been one of the very best in the world at for a decade.
He has only finished a season ranked outside the top 10 once since 2009. In 2017, he finished 11th. Although there is sweet fuck all evidence to support it, you will get folks suggesting his gym work is hindering his ability to perform on the course. Even when the point gets shut down, as long as McIlroy keeps playing, it is guaranteed to rear its ugly head again.
@GolfChannel @chambleebrandel pic.twitter.com/tz7lSH7Z6k
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) February 16, 2016
Pet Peeve
Back in 2016, McIlroy issued a proper response to critics of his perceived ‘overdoing it’ in the gym to Sky Sports. He referred to this critique as a pet peeve. He called it the ‘most unfair criticism’ he receives and it’s hard to blame him.
“The reason I play at such a high level, and hopefully will continue to play at a high level for the next 10 to 15 years, is because of the work I do in the gym. If I wasn’t in the gym, I wouldn’t be sitting here today. It’s a big part of who I am, it’s a big part of my success. That’s always I feel an unfair criticism.”
“A criticism of my golf game, I take it, and I know what I need to work on and sometimes those people point out the obvious but, I would say that’s the most unfair criticism I receive, is what I do at the gym.”
He's back! https://t.co/h5OJGRFQb1
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) March 19, 2018
Silencing the critics
During the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, McIlroy faced this criticism yet again. He just didn’t know it at the time.
Johnny Miller, who was in NBC’s commentary booth for the tournament, wheeled out the anti-workout theory. His timing was remarkable. Just as he made the point, McIlroy landed a beautiful shot two feet from the hole. He proceeded to tap in the putt for a birdie.
“This is probably a controversial comment but I think if he had never gone to a gym he would have played way better the last five years because he was so good. I mean he was phenomenal and now he’s gotten so ripped that I’m not sure in golf you need to be ripped.”
Whenever Johnny starts off with "This is probably a controversial comment…" you know it's going to be good. This one doesn't disappoint. https://t.co/y3zVSkkpjv
— Jay Rigdon (@jayrigdon5) March 17, 2018
Last laugh
It’s worth noting that McIlroy has actually played quite well over the last five years. 2017 may have been winless, but he had three wins in 2014, including two majors, and two apiece in 2015 and 2016. Of course, he ended the drought by winning the 2018 Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Miller’s fascination with McIlroy’s muscles has been going on for a while. At the 2016 Open Championship, he made the exact same point.
“I think he overdid the weight room, personally and I don’t think that helped him at all. I think the same thing with Tiger Woods. You just get carried away with wearing the tight shirts and showing off their sort of muscles.”
Perhaps it’s time to start thinking up fresh material.
