Rory McIlroy had one of the most successful seasons in 2025. The golfer secured some great wins and achieved some massive feats, including completing his career grand slam and winning an away Ryder Cup. When asked, following this great season, what his plans are for 2026, McIlroy stated that his 2025 achievements were not as ambitious as he had hoped and that he still has a lot to work on.

McIlroy was asked about this subject during an interview at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, and there, he stated how his 2024 and 2023 seasons were significantly better than 2025. The golfer noted that instead of many wins, he only had a few significant wins, which is why his 2025 season is being seen as a big one. He also stated that he still needs to improve his putting and iron shots for the 2026 season.

According to the recent X post from the DP World Tour, Rory McIlroy stated,

“I went through a stats review a few weeks ago, and if you look at my 2023 and 2024, they were better than my 2025. The highs in 2025 were so high which made it the year that it was. At the same time, there are certain things I want to tidy up and get better at this year. I’ve turned myself into one of the best putters in the world. My iron play fell off at the back end of last year, so things like that I can improve.”

Rory McIlroy has started his 2026 season on a high note, finishing third at the Dubai Invitational. The golfer finished with a total score of 8 under par, tied for third place, and won $130,625. Despite such a strong start, the golfer believes he still needs to develop significantly, as he highlighted in the same interview.

Rory McIlroy describes how he is still “getting better” at golf

When asked where Rory McIlroy sees his career going, the golfer admitted that instead of being comfortable with being the World No. 2 in the OWGR, he is still discovering flaws in his game. The golfer revealed that he was terrible at putting ten years ago, but that he has since made it one of the strongest parts of his game, indicating that he is constantly improving.

The 2025 Masters winner explained,

“I still think I am getting better. I last won a major in 2014. It had been 10 years, and I kept saying to everyone, I really do believe that I’m a better player now than I was 10 years ago. So as long as I keep believing that and doing that and doing the things to try to get better, even if it’s not to get better at certain aspects of the game. Putting would have been one of the weakest parts of my game 10 years ago, and I’ve turned it into one of my strengths.”

Rory McIlroy is currently competing in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, where he has completed his first round. The golfer did not have a spectacular opening round, but he had a strong grasp with three birdies and two bogeys until losing it all at Hole 18, where he suffered a terrible double bogey to finish with a total score of one over par. As of this writing, he is tied for 61st place.

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