Luke Donald impressed by 'helluva player' Rory McIlroy, backs him to challenge for majors in 2023
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Updated 24/11/2022 at 10:17 GMT
Rory McIlroy had a superb time on the course in 2022, as he won the FedEx Cup, th Harry Vardon Trophy for the DP World Tour's champion golfer of the year and also returned to the top of the world rankings. He did that while also fighting for improvements to purses for players on the PGA Tour, and he made a positive impression on Luke Donald who will be his captain at the Ryder Cup.
'It really made all the difference' - McIlroy reflects on season and changes he has made
Luke Donald has praised Rory McIlroy for the leadership he has shown off the course while fighting for honours at the top of the sport.
McIlroy has led the charge for player rights, with his actions alongside Tiger Woods and other leading figures resulting in increased prize funds on the PGA Tour.
The PGA Tour's move to increase purses and other bonuses came as a result of the challenge from LIV Golf.
McIlroy was hugely critical of LIV earlier in the year, and has since made the call for the warring sides to find common ground to benefit the sport as a whole.
The Northern Irishman did all that while keeping his game sharp as he won the FedEx Cup, the Harry Vardon Trophy for the DP World Tour's No. 1 player and returned to the top of the world rankings.
McIlroy will be of huge importance next year to Donald who will captain Europe at the Ryder Cup in Rome.
And there will be no fear from Donald of piling responsibility on McIlroy's shoulders.
“He just feels a responsibility," Donald said. "He has always been open and honest.
"He has always expressed how he feels, and I think he feels as the No. 1 player in the world he has a responsibility.
"He is getting many questions asked. He is one of those people who does not back off and will tell you how he feels. He has stepped up as a leader.
"It is difficult being someone at the top of the game, you are working hard on that, so to do both and to juggle that is pretty impressive."
As well as being pleased with what McIlroy has achieved away from the course, Donald has been impressed with the changes he has made to his game.
"I see so much more consistency in his game," Donald said. "Week to week he is putting himself in contention. I feel like mentally he is in a better spot and he is enjoying the game."
The one disappointment for McIlroy was his failure to end his major drought that now runs to eight years, but Donald expects him to continue to challenge for golf's biggest prizes.
"He is a helluva player," Donald said. "I am sure he is disappointed he has not won a major this year. But it would be a surprise if he did not have great opportunities again next year."
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