IN NINE PGA events this year, Rory McIlroy has the best average on tour. For his first round, McIlroy’s average is 68. For second rounds, he ranks 181st with an average of 72.89.
Following his second round of 78 at the Scottish Open, on Friday, McIlroy agreed that his first to second round slump is bizarre. The Holywood native set a course record of 64 on the opening day at Royal Aberdeen. The winds picked up on Friday and scoring was tougher all-round but McIlroy’s fall off [14 shots] was the most spectacular of the 156-man field.
“I guess now that I’m sort of thinking about it may be that’s why — because it’s Friday I need to try and hold it together here somewhat.”
Indeed, the tweet below sums up McIlroy’s up and down starts to most tournaments this year:
“It is what it is,” McIlroy reasoned. “You know, I’m still in the golf tournament and I can go out tomorrow and try and make some birdies early and get back in it.”
McIlroy’s comments are not too far removed from reality. He is two shots off a congested top eight [13 players tied] and only six off the lead. The high winds of Friday are not expected to return with as much gusto this afternoon but, despite the mental drain alluded to by defending champion Phil Mickelson, McIlroy believes the challenging conditions will benefit him ahead of next week’s Open.
“It’s a grind out there, but at the end of the day, you know, it’s a great way to prepare for next week, if nothing else. I don’t want to just prepare for next week. I want to try to get myself back into this golf tournament and try and win. I feel there’s all sorts of signs in there that my game is there, but I just need to tidy up a few bits and pieces.”
