Rory McIlroy has had a difficult few days at the Players Championship as he fell eight behind frontrunner Xander Schauffele.
“Rory McIlroy has been informed that his weaknesses have been highlighted during a challenging period at the Players Championship, trailing eight shots behind leader Xander Schauffele.”
The golfer from Northern Ireland experienced an eventful – yet frustrating – three days at TPC Sawgrass. The first day started well with 10 birdies leading to a score of 65. However, his performance in the second round was inconsistent, with five birdies, four bogeys, and a double bogey resulting in a one-over 73.
The significant difference in outcomes between the two days was highlighted as he was part of a major controversy during the first day of the tournament.
A debate erupted regarding McIlroy’s questionable drop on the seventh hole after his ball landed in the water, causing his playing partners Viktor Hovland and Jordan Spieth to have a heated discussion about his next move.
This stark contrast in fortunes between the two days also came as he was involved in one of the most significant sideshow moments of the tournament so far on Day One. A heated debate ensued surrounding McIlroy’s controversial drop on the seventh hole after his ball went into the water – leading to playing partners Viktor Hovland and Jordan Spieth thrashing out a discussion over where the star would play from.
On day three, he made six birdies with one bogey and a double-bogey, signing for a 69 as he goes into the final day eight shots behind Schauffele. Over those three outings, McIlroy has hit 21 birdies – signing off with three in round three – but his inconsistencies in Florida will leave him with some concerns ahead of the upcoming Masters.
Now, Paul McGinley has reflected on McIlroy’s showing over the course of the three days as he gave his verdict on the 34-year-old’s showing at TPC Sawgrass. For the Irishman, the star’s inconsistency is a cause for concern, while the controversial drop moment which sparked the heated discussions on the opening day also appeared to not leave him impressed.
Ultimately, the Dubliner could see the frustration that McIlroy is currently facing – with his form currently ravaged by unpredictability in terms of his displays at the PGA Tour’s flagship event. Giving a blunt synopsis of proceedings, McGinley admitted: “He is battling with his game and it’s not coming easy at the moment for McIlroy.
“He attempted to cover up his mistakes by using a fading shot that was successful for him previously,” he stated.
Then he criticized his performance by pointing out his flaws, especially his tendency to hit balls into the water off the tee, though he is performing well in putting.”
He is skilled enough, but the main issue is not reaching nine, it is the superior abilities of the players in front of him,” he stated, acknowledging that McIlroy is currently falling behind his competitors.
All of them will move forward and it is likely that one or two of them will score in the 60s, so I believe his chances of winning are over. After falling back from the top contenders at the Players
Championship, the ex-World No. 1 player is now possibly looking ahead to the upcoming Masters tournament starting on April 11. It is improbable that he will avoid attention as he arrives at Augusta, especially considering his vocal objections towards LIV Golf in recent times.
The celebrity will compete with top players from the Saudi Arabian circuit such as Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and recent rebel Jon Rahm at the Masters tournament.
It is now uncertain if he will be able to ignore distractions and win the coveted green jacket next month.