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Rory McIlroy’s consolation prizes

Professional preoccupation

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.

Sir, – While understanding Tomás Finn’s wry amusement at the hyperbolic reaction to Rory McIlroy’s latest “vanquished heartbreak” (Letters, September 24th), his focusing on the financial consolation in excess of €1 million for losing slightly misses the point.

Rory McIlroy has already earned more money than he will ever spend in his lifetime. His main professional preoccupation is now focused on his career legacy.

Coming so agonisingly close so often to winning more major championships (this year’s US Open), and more prestigious tournaments (the BMW PGA Championship, the Irish Open), is a cause of anguish – and hyperbole – when assessing his status among the greats of the game. Money is no substitute for greatness. – Yours, etc,

JOHN NAUGHTON,

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Leopardstown,

Dublin 18.