WE DON’T KNOW what happened in the arduous 30-hour journey from Georgia to Kuala Lumpar but it looks like Rory McIlroy has discovered his inner hipster – and lost the clubs he used during that infamous final Masters round on Sunday.
We reckon he swapped his irons for tickets to Animal Collective at SXSW or TV On The Radio’s Williamsburg homecoming.
Despite the ordeal at Augusta and the subsequent trek east, the Holywood star seemed upbeat when he faced the press from behind his new thick-rimmed specs.
"It was a long journey, about 30 hours, but I'm looking forward to getting back on the saddle and putting last week's disappointment behind me," he said. "I've been excited about this event and never had any intention of pulling out.
"I can't wait to get out playing but a little disappointed my clubs will only be arriving later today. My caddie has been out walking the course and I take a lot of positives from what happened in the Masters."
McIlroy flew to Malaysia with Charl Schwartzel, the man who ultimately won the green jacket last weekend, tweeting this picture mid-flight:
Sitting next to his Chubby Chandler stablemate for 30 hours was 'fine' according to McIlroy. He explained:
"I've known Charl a long time and I'm happy for him, genuinely, he played great on Sunday. To go out and shoot 66 on the final day of the Masters to win was a great performance."
The case of the missing clubs, however, added yet more insult to injury on his arrival - but the Irishman took the setback in his stride.
"It hasn't happened often, its one of these things you can't help it, going through so many timezones and so many connecting flights your bags are going to get lost sometimes. Hopefully they turn up tonight and I'll be ready to go tomorrow."
McIlroy will tee off at the Malaysian Open for the first time alongside world number one Martin Kaymer and two-time tournament winner Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand.
