The 31-year-old is still seeking the career Grand Slam, with a Green Jacket the ultimate prize for McIlroy heading into the new year.
Not only will the former world number one look forward to four Major Championships, but there is also a Ryder Cup contest to prepare for as Europe head across the Atlantic in September.
Augusta Title is the Golden Prize
The Masters remains the holy grail for McIlroy, with a victory at Augusta the only Major currently missing from his CV and he is 9/1 to win a Green Jacket in April.
Many felt there was less pressure on him going into the rescheduled Masters in the Autumn, only for an opening round of 75 to pretty much end his hopes on day one.
As it worked out, McIlroy secured a top-five finish with three sub-70 rounds but he was still nine shots behind eventual winner, Dustin Johnson.
The world number seven has recorded no fewer than six top-10 finishes at Augusta and if he can start the new season in good form, he will feel this is the year for him to complete the Grand Slam.
PGA Championship Venue Offers Happy Memories
The last Major McIlroy won was the PGA Championship, back in 2014, and this year the tournament will see him return to a course he has won in the past.
Kiawah Island was the venue for his second Major title in 2012, when he won the PGA title by a record eight strokes.
Despite carding a 75 in round two, McIlroy fired 67 and 66 over the weekend and his performance nine years ago is one of the reasons he is 11/1 to lift the Wanamaker Trophy.
San Diego Test in June
Torrey Pines will host the 2021 US Open – a course where McIlroy has not had any previous success.
The last time the San Diego course held the US Open was in 2008, a tournament the Northern Irishman didn’t play in. The California course has also hosted the Farmers Insurance Open, a tournament that McIlroy has never won before.
Dustin Johnson is currently the 9/1 favourite to win the third Major of the year, with Jon Rahm 11/1 and McIlroy available to back at 12/1.
Rory Hungry for Sandwich Success
Ever since his 2014 Claret Jug victory at Hoylake, McIlroy has continually stated his desire for more Open Championship success.
This year’s tournament will be at Royal St George’s – which last held the event in 2011, when there was a Northern Ireland victory. Darren Clarke finished top of the leaderboard on that occasion, with a 22-year-old McIlroy claiming a T25 finish.
Back in 2011, Dustin Johnson finished tied-second and it’s no surprise to see DJ as the 9/1 favourite to claim the Claret Jug. McIlroy is 10/1 while Rickie Fowler, who finished fifth 10 years ago, is 40/1.
*All odds correct at time of writing
