Rory McIlroy speaks out on Masters misery after feeling 'horrific' at Augusta

Apr 14, 2024 10:00

Rory McIlroy has insisted he'll keep turning up at Augusta and won't give up on winning the Masters (Image: getty)

Rory McIlroy has vowed to persevere in his quest for the elusive Green Jacket, declaring he will "keep showing up and try to do the right thing" at The Masters despite another year slipping by without completing his career Grand Slam.

Despite a valiant effort with two rounds of 71, McIlroy's aspirations to don the coveted Green Jacket were dashed by a challenging 77 amidst gusty conditions on Friday. The Northern Irishman, who turns 34 in a few weeks, had taken extensive measures to alter his fortunes at Augusta this year.

They included a session with renowned coach Butch Harmon, an early reconnaissance trip to the course, competing the week prior, and a late arrival on Tuesday. He even truncated his media briefing before the tournament to a brief 10 minutes.

Yet, the narrative remains unchanged for the Florida-based golfer as he approaches a decade since his last Major triumph in August 2014. This latest setback marks his 10th unsuccessful attempt to secure the full set of Majors at Augusta.

When questioned if he's fed up of the constant questions about winning at the Masters, McIlroy responded: "No, I mean, all I can do is come here and try my best. That's what I do every time I show up. Some years it's better than others. I've just got to keep showing up and try to do the right thing."

Rory McIlroy had a disappointing second round at Augusta (Image: Getty)

The world No.2 golfer admitted that his swing "felt horrific" after a gruelling six-hour second round with no birdies. This observation was confirmed by Paul McGinley, his former Ryder Cup captain, who commented: "His iron play was poor. He is not playing very well."

However, McIlroy maintained a positive outlook. He said: "I just needed to get some rhythm. As the wind is coming down you start getting out of sync. I have a couple of pretty simple swing thoughts. I have made some progress.

"Definitely hit it a bit better today. I played ok. I have made a couple of decent scores. If I had shot around even par on Friday, I felt I would still have been in this tournament."

During one noteworthy moment the four-time Major champion utilised strong winds to drive his shot on the 460-yard ninth hole through the observers crossing over the fairway before rolling back down the hill. "I certainly didn't expect the ball to be down there," he said.

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Rory McIlroy is 3 going into the final day of The Masters (Image: Getty) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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"Just sort of shows the strength of the wind." Demonstrating his determination to improve, McIlroy announced his participation in the upcoming RBC Heritage in Hilton Head. "I think I'm like 50th in the FedExCup," he noted.

"I need to get all the events under my belt that I can."

McIlroy is keen to build up some steam on the final day, with a packed schedule of three Majors in the upcoming three months.

He eadded: "It would be nice to go out and shoot a good score tomorrow and finish the week on a positive note. One round is not going to make a season but it would be nice to shoot a good round tomorrow and move on to Hilton Head next week in a good frame of mind."

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Rory McIlroy speaks out on Masters misery after feeling 'horrific' at Augusta