McIlroy: The pressure is off
Rory McIlroy revealed that he believes he has learnt how to handle himself in pressure situations and that he is feeling great about the rest of 2015.
The Northern Irishman is in scintillating form, backing up his win at the WGC-Cadillac Match Play Championships with a record win at Quail Hollow on Sunday.
The world number one powered to a 21 under par finish, but he feels it could have been even better.
“I felt I could have been even lower,” quipped the 26-year-old on ESPN.
“There are a lot of things to play for and I don’t feel my game has ever been in better shape. I’m so excited for the next few months. I’ve learnt how to handle these positions and I’m finishing the job off the way I should.
“In the last 12 months I have won seven times and given myself lots of chances to win. It’s the most consistent I’ve been. I am just getting started. Now I am expected to win and also expect myself to go out there and win. I don’t even notice the pressure anymore.”
McIlroy enjoyed a purple patch in 2014, winning the three events in a row, including two Majors. With The Open Championship just over a month away, he feels he is in a similar space this time round.
“My level of golf does feel the way it was during that stretch when I won The Open, a World Golf Championship title and the USPGA in successive weeks,” he added.
“Last summer I felt very much in control of all aspects of my game. I was firing and everything was really on. After The Masters I think I might have been outside the top 100 in the FedEx Cup rankings, I’m now up to No 3.
“There’s still a long way to go in that but it’s always nice to see your name around the top. It’s just a great momentum builder. We’re going into the thick of the season and still have three Majors coming up.”
McIlroy tees off at this weeks’ BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth on Thursday, where he is the defending champion.
Latest
-
NewsAny rest for Rory and will practice make US perfect? – Ryder Cup talking points
The United States will be hoping to make the most of home advantage at Whistling Straits.
-
NewsNew-look USA aiming to reclaim Ryder Cup against experienced-packed Europe
Europe are the holders and have won seven of the last nine Ryder Cups, but United States boast eight of the world’s top 10 players and home advantage.
-
NewsA statistical look at the Ryder Cup as Europe seek to continue recent dominance
Europe have won seven of the last nine Ryder Cups but USA have claimed victory in 26 of the 42 editions overall, with two ties.
-
NewsNiall Kearney shoots seven-under 65 to take early lead at Dutch Open
Denmark’s Martin Simonsen and Germany’s Maximilian Kieffer sit in second.
-
NewsHenrik Stenson named as Team Europe’s fifth vice-captain for Ryder Cup
The former Open champion joins fellow Swede Robert Karlsson, Luke Donald, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell in Padraig Harrington’s backroom staff.
-
NewsNo bias with Shane Lowry Ryder Cup selection, says Padraig Harrington
The European captain insists his friendship with his fellow Irishman did Lowry no favours.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington admits picking his Ryder Cup wild cards was a tough task
Justin Rose missed out as Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Shane Lowry were selected.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington admits leaving out Justin Rose was ‘incredibly difficult’
Rose eagled the 18th at Wentworth in a final round of 65 to finish in a tie for sixth, but that was not enough.
-
NewsRyder Cup setback fired up Wentworth winner Billy Horschel
The American was victorious in the BMW PGA Championship.
-
NewsBilly Horschel emulates Arnold Palmer as American winner of BMW PGA Championship
Seven-time major winner Palmer claimed the title at Royal St George’s in 1975.