As the 2025 PGA Championship approaches, Rory McIlroy has shared his perspective on the unique challenges Jordan Spieth faces in completing the career Grand Slam. While McIlroy recently achieved this milestone with his Masters victory, he acknowledges that Spieth’s path is particularly arduous.
McIlroy emphasized the difficulty posed by the PGA Championship’s rotating venues, stating, “From a purely preparation standpoint, he [Spieth] probably has the tougher road because the PGA site changes every year” . Unlike the Masters, held annually at Augusta National, the PGA Championship’s varying locations require players to adapt to different course layouts and conditions each year.
Spieth, who has secured victories at the Masters (2015), U.S. Open (2015), and The Open Championship (2017), needs only the PGA Championship to complete the Grand Slam. However, his recent form has been inconsistent, with missed cuts in four of his last five tournaments featuring a 36-hole cut .
Despite these challenges, Spieth remains optimistic. He has downplayed the pressure, noting that the PGA Championship feels similar to other tournaments and lacks a distinct identity compared to the other majors . This perspective may alleviate some of the mental burden associated with the pursuit of the Grand Slam.
As Spieth prepares for his next opportunity at the PGA Championship, golf enthusiasts will be watching closely to see if he can overcome these hurdles and join the exclusive group of players who have achieved the career Grand Slam.