Rory McIlroy's hopes of completing a career Grand Slam at the US Masters at Augusta wane as he struggles with his irons and wedges
Rory McIlroy: 'I feel I’ve got all the components there but just trying to put them all together on a given week, that’s the tricky part at the minute.' Photograph: Mike Ehrmann/GettyMcIlroy is still second in the Official World Golf Rankings, aided by the fact LIV’s Jon Rahm cannot earn any points, and will have been pleased by a strong start to the calendar year that saw him finish first and second on the DP World Tour in successive tournaments in Dubai.
In the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic, McIlroy took a three-shot lead in the final round by the 13th hole, before another big hook led to a bogey on the par-five. He won by a stroke in the end, but left it closer than he would have liked. Among Scheffler’s many impressive statistics this season, including that all 27 of his rounds have been under par, is that he has only had one double bogey all season. McIlroy, meanwhile, had three double bogeys at the Players Championship alone. It made it six double bogeys for the season, with three triple bogeys and a quadruple bogey, in only seven tournaments.
None more so than in the third round of the Cognizant Classic when he got within two shots of the lead. With an iron from 170 yards at the 16th hole at PGA National, McIlroy pushed it right into the water from the middle of the fairway, leading to a triple bogey, all but ending his chances of winning the tournament.
These stats matter when it comes to picking winners for the Masters. Augusta, while famous for his sloping greens and difficult putting, is regarded as a second shot golf course.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Shane Lowry ready for final group battle with Scottie Scheffler at Bay HillIrishman at nine under for the tournament, with Rory McIlroy lurking after back nine 30
Read more »
Major champion agrees with Rory McIlroy's dramatic PGA Tour shakeup planRory McIlroy had no concerns about sharing his 'unpopular' opinion on the future of the PGA Tour at this week's Arnold Palmer Invitational, and one major champion agrees
Read more »
Disastrous front-nine sees Rory McIlroy fall out of contention at Bay HillA sloppy front nine saw McIlroy fall out of contention in Florida.
Read more »
Shane Lowry in six-way tie for lead after second round at Bay HillRory McIlroy is six shots back.
Read more »
Joaquin Niemann makes feelings clear on LIV future - 'I agree with Rory McIlroy'Joaquin Niemann has is LIV Golf's most in-form star so far in 2024, and the former PGA Tour star is an agreement with Rory McIlroy when it comes to the future of the sport
Read more »
Rory McIlroy shows true colours after gesture to LIV Golf rival Brooks KoepkaRory McIlroy had prevailed as LIV Golf's biggest critic, but the Northern Irishman appears to still share a good relationship with one of the rival league's biggest names in Brooks Koepka
Read more »