McGinley warns McIlroy ahead of Masters
Paul McGinley has warned Rory McIlroy to stay away from criticism as he leads up to the Masters next month.
The Northern Irishman has copped quite a bit flack for his much-publicised round with US President Donald Trump and has found himself defending his decision on social media and in the press.
McGinley – the 2014 Ryder Cup winning captain – pointed out that prior to the Rio Olympics last year, McIlroy found himself in a similar situation when he withdrew from the event due to concerns over the Zika Virus and it affected his performance.
The Irishman pointed out that McIlroy does not need such distractions on the eve of trying to tie up a career grand slam.
“He has walked into a storm – of course it’s a worry,” McGinley told the Mirror.
“In preparation for the Masters, this is not a noise you really want to have. It can’t help, put it that way.
“Rory got involved with the debate about the Olympics on the day before The Open last year – and it affected his performance.
“You look what Tiger Woods did in his career. He was just focused on winning golf tournaments. I want to see Rory focusing on his golf in the next four or five weeks and then getting down to making history.”
Should McIlroy be victorious at Augusta in April, he would become just the sixth golfer in history – after Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen – to win all four majors.
Latest
-
News5 things you may not know about US Open winner Jon Rahm
The Spaniard is celebrating a first major victory.
-
NewsJon Rahm believes setting example for his son helped him make major breakthrough
Rahm won the US Open at Torrey Pines on Sunday.
-
NewsRory McIlroy looking on the bright side despite extending winless run in majors
The 32-year-old finished tied for seventh in San Diego.
-
News‘Power of positive thinking’ behind US Open success, Jon Rahm says
Rahm became the first Spanish player to lift the title.
-
NewsUS Open day four: Jon Rahm stuns with triumph at Torrey Pines
Rahm became the first Spanish player to lift the title and also returned to the top of the world rankings with the victory.
-
NewsJon Rahm takes first major title with US Open victory
Torrey Pines was also the location of the Spaniard’s first PGA Tour title in 2017 and his marriage proposal to his wife.
-
NewsRory McIlroy in contention down final stretch of 121st US Open at Torrey Pines
McIlroy began the day two shots off the lead and succeeded in halving his deficit by the midway stage of an action-packed final round.
-
NewsPhil Mickelson targeting future opportunities after strange end to US Open bid
Mickelson began the week with renewed hope of winning his national open for the first time but finished 11 over par after a 75 on Sunday.
-
News‘Unique’ career grand slam opportunity fails to materialise for Phil Mickelson
Mickelson made a bogey six on the 18th and completed a 75 to finish 11 over par at the US Open.
-
NewsUS Open day three: Rory McIlroy in position to pounce at Torrey Pines
McIlroy’s last major win was at the 2014 PGA Championship.