Context:

Rory McIlroy's recent Masters victory completed his career Grand Slam, raising questions about who might achieve this feat next. Jordan Spieth is a strong contender, having attempted to complete the Grand Slam since 2017 at the PGA Championship but never finishing closer than six shots. Historical precedents show the difficulty of completing a Grand Slam, with notable players like Arnold Palmer and Lee Trevino coming close but ultimately failing. Scottie Scheffler and other top players like Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, and Collin Morikawa are also in the conversation, but the challenge remains significant. The rarity of the Grand Slam, achieved by only a few players in modern history, underscores the difficulty and prestige of this accomplishment in golf.

Dive Deeper:

• Rory McIlroy's victory at the Masters marked the end of a 25-year wait for the career Grand Slam, a feat last accomplished by Tiger Woods. McIlroy's win was a culmination of 17 years of effort, especially over the last 11 years, during which he was acutely aware of his place in potentially joining an exclusive club.

• Jordan Spieth is considered a strong candidate to achieve the Grand Slam next, as he has been competing for it since 2017. Despite his efforts, he has not come closer than six shots from achieving it in his previous eight attempts at the PGA Championship.

• The challenge of achieving a Grand Slam is highlighted by the historical struggles of legends like Arnold Palmer, who needed only the PGA Championship to complete his slam but never succeeded, despite several close attempts.

• Scottie Scheffler is noted for his dominance in recent years, winning multiple Masters and staying at the top of the world rankings. However, he acknowledges the difficulty of achieving a Grand Slam despite his current form.

• Other golfers such as Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, and Dustin Johnson are potential candidates to complete the Grand Slam. However, winning the necessary majors to achieve this remains a formidable challenge.

• The difficulty of winning a Grand Slam is underscored by the fact that many players, such as Nick Price and Nick Faldo, have come close by winning two majors but never completed the third leg.

• The Grand Slam's prestige in golf history is evident, with only a few players achieving it since the modern concept was established in 1960. McIlroy's recent triumph at age 35 adds to the narrative of its difficulty, especially considering the age and form of other potential contenders like Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka.