McIlroy wants consistency at Masters

Rory McIlroy reflects on his 2013 Masters and hopes to string four good rounds together at Augusta this year.
While McIlroy only finished tied for 25th place at last year’s edition, he will be buoyed by the fact that he carded a three under 69 in his final round. Coming off the back of a disappointing third round of 79, it was a good achievement.
“I know I’ve played good enough golf here to win it at times, it’s just a matter of stringing it all together in one week. It’s a frustrating golf course at times,” revealed the Northern Irishmen.
The history books are against the world number seven, as he manages to shoot one poor round almost every Masters. The 79 last year was preceded by a forgettable 80 in 2011 and a third round 77 in 2012. In the 2010 event, he missed the cut after shooting 74 and 77.
“Instead of going 10 feet away, I rolled off the green and stuff like that,” said McIlroy as he reflected on last year’s tournament.
“It’s just the way Augusta is, and I think you have to embrace it and accept that’s what it’s going to be like sometimes.
“The margins are so small and if you just go on the wrong side it can punish you very harshly.”
The two-time Major champion managed to avoid a win-less 2013 when he won the Australian Open in December and has since put together some good performances, finishing runner-up twice.
“I felt like stuff was starting to click into place with my swing,” added the 24-year-old.
“It was gradually getting better and better, and the work that I put in the offseason has only just helped it along, and I’ve reached a point now where I’m very comfortable with everything in my game and my swing.
“I’m seeing shots the way I want to see them. When I do that, I feel like the scores are just a byproduct of all the hard work.”
McIlroy was in charge at the Honda Classic earlier this month after rounds of 63, 66 and 69, giving him a two shot lead going into the final round. But he faltered with a 74 and lost to America’s Russell Henley in a four-man playoff.
“I counted myself very fortunate even to be in the playoff. I didn’t play well enough at all down the stretch to win the tournament. Even if I had won, it would have felt a little bit undeserved in a way,” concluded McIlroy.
The Masters tees off at Augusta on April 7 with world number two Adam Scott looking to defend his title.
Latest
-
News
Lee Westwood resumes bid for record-equalling 11th Ryder Cup appearance
The 47-year-old occupied one of the automatic places in the team before the golf was stopped due to Covid-19.
-
News
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew turns to Golfer’s CBD in pursuit of further success
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew believes Golfer’s CBD could play a vital role in her future success.
-
News
Sponsor Ralph Lauren drops Justin Thomas following homophobic slur in Hawaii
The world number three uttered the derogatory word towards himself after missing a putt at Kapalua last weekend.
-
News
Bryson DeChambeau keeping brain relaxed to avoid repeat of Masters misery
DeChambeau said his brain went into overdrive at Augusta National.
-
News
European Tour preparing for business as planned in the Middle East
Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is due to start next week.
-
News
Two-time major champion Angel Cabrera arrested in Brazil
The former US Open and Masters winner was on the run from the law.
-
News
On this Day in 2013: Paul McGinley given Ryder Cup captaincy
McGinley would go on to be involved in a sixth Ryder Cup victory.
-
News
Collin Morikawa keen to draw inspiration from family ties to Hawaii at Sony Open
Venezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas has withdrawn from the event after testing positive for coronavirus.
-
News
R&A: ‘No plans’ for Open to head to Donald Trump-owned Turnberry in near future
Trump National in Bedminster was on Sunday stripped of next year’s US PGA Championship.
-
News
US PGA Championship moved from Donald Trump-owned course in New Jersey
Trump National in Bedminster had been set to host the event.