A message from the editor, Neil Tappin:
The first time I ever laid eyes on our cover star Rory McIlroy was outside the clubhouse at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, just before the 2006 Desert Classic. Stood on his own, waiting for a car, it would have been easy to miss the 16-year-old amateur. In fact, I would have missed him if it wasn’t for Paul Severn, the photographer I was standing with. “That’s the young guy from Northern Ireland. Apparently he’s going to be extremely good,” said Paul.
Over the years, I’ve had a version of this conversation umpteen times with and about various people. In fact, whenever a young player arrives on tour, there’s usually someone in the background telling you that you’re looking at the next world beater. The problem is the gap. The difference between being a promising amateur and a world-class professional is vast. What’s more, golf tests every facet of your make-up, from the technical strength of your swing to the focused clarity of your mind. That’s why I’m not sure you can ever say with 100% confidence that someone will make it.
Of course, on this occasion, Paul was right. I really was looking at a future star and over the intervening 18 years, the Ulsterman has risen to become one of the best and most influential players of his generation. His accolades are too long to list, but the most important one, four Major titles, has remained stubbornly stuck for almost a decade. By the time you read this, he may well have captured that elusive fifth Major. I get the feeling that as and when that moment arrives, the floodgates might open.
Our interview with Rory is one of the highlights of this issue, but as you can see below, there's plenty more to get your teeth into this month...
FREE 44-Page Editor's Choice Magazine
We like to consider ourselves equipment experts at Golf Monthly, having formed a large team of experienced reviewers and testers qualified to offer opinions and buying advice on any product you may be thinking about. It’s why our Editor’s Choice, now in its sixth year, carries so much gravitas – we really have scoured the market to hand-pick the best of the best. Although with so much innovation on show this year, it was tricky to narrow it down to just 150 products...
Rory McIlroy Exclusive
Rory McIlroy has been a staunch advocate of the PGA Tour since the emergence of LIV Golf. In this wide-ranging interview, he discusses the state of the men’s professional game and gives his thoughts on his own career, leaving a legacy, this year’s Major venues and more...
18 Pages Of Instruction
Our comprehensive instruction section offers you tips on every facet of the game from our Top 50 Coaches. This month, we also hear from Rafa Cabrera-Bello on how to master the 50-yard pitch...
10 Golf Club Characters
Every golf club is different, but you’re almost guaranteed to find these ten types of golfer on the course, at the range or in the clubhouse...
Ryan Fox Exclusive
New Zealander Ryan Fox reflects on his highs on the course and some lows away from it in recent years as he tries to make it on the PGA Tour.
Rules Of Golf
Our regular rules section is there to make sure you don't get caught out on the course this season.
Netflix Full Swing
Full Swing executive producer Chad Mumm talks about the making of season two, the highlights, the process and the challenges.
Courses – British Special
No individual has ever played every course in Britain, and with more than 2,500 that are open to all, then despite the wonders of modern science and medicine, probably no one ever will. This means we’re all lucky enough to have a never-ending supply of new and different courses to interest, inspire and excite. Our experts reveal their favourites...
