“PRO” File – CJ Cup In South Carolina Winner Rory McIlroy

Scottie Scheffler had a year to remember with four victories, including the Masters, and an extended reign as the #1 player in the world. The latter came to an end in October when Rory McIlroy recaptured the #1 ranking after winning the CJ Cup in South Carolina at the Congaree Golf Club in Ridgeland.

Congaree itself is an extremely unique course in the United States, more akin to the Australian Sand Belt courses that proliferate in that country. The links-type golf required to play Congaree suited McIlroy perfectly, as he often played true links golf growing up in Northern Ireland. McIlroy was among the leaders the entire week, taking a one-shot lead over Kurt Kitayama and K.H. Lee into the final round. McIlroy shot 67 on Sunday to edge Kitayama, who also shot 67, by a stroke.

After winning four major championships in a four-season span, the last coming in 2014, some predicted McIlroy could threaten Jack Nicklaus’ record total of 18 majors. However, he has failed to win another major since then, puzzling most observers because he continues to win at a high rate. Few doubt that McIlroy will win more majors. The only questions are when is the next and how many more will he win.