There is no question that Rory McIlroy has plenty of strengths, but his driving has always been what sets him apart.
Tommy Fleetwood considers the Northern Irishman to be the most talented player of this generation, a testament to his status as an all-time great.
McIlroy solidified this reputation in 2025 by winning The Masters and completing the coveted Career Grand Slam.
His quality on the ball is evident across all areas, even in his short game. But McIlroy’s strength is most noticeable with the driver in hand. In 2025, he was fourth in strokes gained off the tee and ranked as the PGA Tour’s second longest hitter.
Although Aldrich Potgieter led the tour in distance last season, another golfer has been highlighted as possibly the best driver since McIlroy himself came onto the scene.
Michael Brennan tipped as PGA Tour’s top driver since Rory McIlroy
One of the standout stories of the FedEx Cup Fall took place in Utah back in October.
Michael Brennan made his professional PGA Tour debut with a four-shot win, having already picked up three victories on the PGA Tour Americas in the months leading up to it.
Todd Lewis spoke highly of the 23-year-old on Golf Channel, predicting he will be one of the breakout names on tour next season.
“There are a lot of good young players out there, but I can tell you, I was at the Bank of Utah Championship and this kid, Michael Brennan, who won three times on the PGA Tour Americas, played at Wake Forest, got his sponsor invitation and, to borrow a line from our good friend, he hits it like a God. I’m talking about Brandel Chamblee, that’s what he would say if he saw this guy play.
“I haven’t seen a guy drive the golf ball on the PGA Tour that well maybe since Rory McIlroy came on the scene. He has so much power and accuracy. Speaking with him, covering him that week, he has such maturity for a young man in his early 20s. I think he has incredible potential. And I look for him to be a force on the PGA Tour next year and beyond,” he stated.
What Jason Day had to say about Michael Brennan after playing in Utah
It is not just analysts and reporters who have been taking notice of the young player.
Jason Day was part of the field that week at Black Desert Resort, and before the Grant Thornton Invitational, he told Charley Hull just how much Brennan had caught his eye.
“You’re playing with Michael Brennan who just recently won on the PGA Tour. Hits it an absolute mile, oh my god. Like 190, 195 ball speed, that’s insane,” he said on his YouTube channel.
Brennan is set to compete again this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii.
The event features a strong field to start the 2026 season, with four of the world’s top 10 players participating. It would be a big statement if he manages to put himself in contention at Waialae.
