Johnson Wagner makes bold prediction over what could happen to Rory McIlroy in 2027

Johnson Wagner believes that Rory McIlroy could go on and enjoy his best ever year in 2027 as he made a claim about how he compares with Scottie Scheffler at this stage of his career.

McIlroy has had another strange season on the PGA Tour. The Northern Irishman’s last two victories Stateside have both come at The Masters.

While his most recent win did not knock McIlroy off his stride in quite the same way it had done in 2025, finding motivation upon leaving Augusta National was once again an issue.

Johnson Wagner backs Rory McIlroy for a hugely successful 2027 season

McIlroy only made 14 starts on the PGA Tour this year, including just one appearance between each of the four majors.

Nevertheless, Johnson Wagner thinks that he saw enough from McIlroy over the last two weeks to believe that he is not ready to wind his career down.

The 37-year-old finished third at the BMW Championship, while he went into the final round of the Tour Championship with an outside chance of winning. He ultimately finished fourth at East Lake.

And speaking on CBS Sports, Wagner insisted that no one can compete with McIlroy when he is at his very best.

He also backed the European to add to his tally of major victories next year.

“I truly appreciated the beginning part of 2025 when Rory McIlroy had switched to that softer golf ball, was really in tune with his wedge play, with his driver, just trying to give himself a chance for that first Green Jacket. Clearly, he prepared at the beginning of the year, or at least leading into Augusta in a similar way. He’s earned it, but the incredible inconsistency, and I love Rory, he can retire tomorrow and I’m still going to love him, but I truly enjoy him and Scottie right now, watching them play,” he said.

“I had the pleasure of walking with Rory on Saturday last week in St. Louis. There’s nobody like him. When Rory’s at his best, I would argue he’s better than Scottie Scheffler, but I don’t know if we’re going to see him truly want to be at his best that many times a year.

“It’s a great major venue lineup next year. Obviously, St Andrews is near and dear to his heart. How many chances has he had to win there? And this may be his last best chance. If we could see that motivation continue on through the summer, through the major season post-Masters, I think it could be a special year, and maybe his best ever.”

Rory McIlroy has unfinished business at St Andrews

McIlroy’s relationship with St Andrews is definitely a fascinating one.

He has finished third in both of The Open Championships he has played at The Old Course. However, it is probably fair to say that the final round of the 2022 Open was one of the most frustrating of McIlroy’s career.

He holed nothing of note all day to leave the door open for Cam Smith to snatch the Claret Jug from his grasp.

Remarkably, the 2015 Open Championship at St Andrews was the only major McIlroy has missed since the start of the 2009 season. He sustained an injury playing football with his friends.

So he definitely has unfinished business at The Home of Golf.