Rory McIlroy is determined to finally clinch the fifth major championship of his career in 2025, following another heartbreaking performance on the grand stage this year.

McIlroy seemed poised to end his decade-long drought for a major title at the U.S. Open in June, leading Bryson DeChambeau by two shots with just four holes remaining. However, three subsequent bogeys allowed DeChambeau to seize victory.

Rory McIlroy is aiming to end his major drought

The defeat at Pinehurst No. 2 was arguably his most challenging since his last major win at the PGA Championship in 2014, extending his wait for a fifth flagship title into its 11th year. The 2025 season offers McIlroy four new opportunities to end his wait, beginning with the Masters in April.

He’ll also have the chance to compete on home turf as The Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush, a venue where he feels he has ‘unfinished business’. “I can’t wait to go back to Portrush, because I feel like I’ve got some unfinished business there from last time, and we’ll obviously go back to Augusta for The Masters,” he shared with Sky Sports.

McIlroy will also be eyeing the PGA Championship, which is set to take place at Quail Hollow, a course where he has had significant success in the past. “I love that we’re playing the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in May, which is typically when we played the Wells Fargo,” he said.

“It’s when I know the golf course the best and sort of I know that it’s going to play, you know, the characteristics.”

Rory McIlroy missed out at the US Open ( Image: Getty Images)

McIlroy’s 2024 season was marked by both triumph and disappointment, including a sixth Race to Dubai title on the DP World Tour, but falling short in major tournaments. He acknowledges the challenges of being held to high expectations.

He added: “I think what the hard thing is in my position is your disappointments and your mistakes keep getting brought up to you every time that you get in front of a camera or you’re in a press conference or answering questions. That’s the tough part of this gig.

“At the same time, I am in a very fortunate position that this is what I get to do for a living. If I have to deal with what people deem are unfair expectations or are held to a higher standard than others, then so be it.”