Rory McIlroy admits slow start to third-round 73 costly at The Open
By Ali Stafford at Royal Troon
Last Updated: 16/07/16 6:58pm
Rory McIlroy regrets not capitalising on his early chances after seeing his Open hopes all-but end during a frustrating third round at Royal Troon.
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The world No 4 told reporters on Friday he needed a fast start to his third round after heading in to the weekend eight strokes off the pace, but mixed two birdies with four bogeys on his way to a two-over 73.
The 2014 champion three-putted the first and also bogeyed the third after missing from close range, but bounced back with an eight-foot gain at the next.
Another blemish at the fifth was cancelled out by a birdie at the next, with McIlroy admitting the damage was done after failing to make the most of opportunities before the turn.
"I've been saying all week that the first seven holes is where you need to make your scoring, make your birdies so to be two-over after three wasn't ideal obviously.
"But I knew I had two par-fives coming up. When I made birdie on the fourth I thought let's try and fight back into contention. I bogeyed five, birdied six again.
"I actually had some chances on the seventh, eighth and ninth, but didn't convert my chances when I was looking to go out on 32 or 33.
"I think the speed and the wind was a factor. I just wasn't feeling comfortable over them (putts) because of the wind. It's tough to make your mind up and commit to something which is why I missed a couple of short ones."
The head came away from the shaft and left McIlroy without the club for the rest of his round, although he was able to par the hole and complete the final two in regulation.
"The clubhead came loose on it earlier in the week so I had to get it re-glued so it is partly to do with that and partly the throw itself," McIlroy added.
"The (Nike) truck is still here so I'll have it re-shafted tonight and all will be well in the morning.
"I let one go right on the previous hole, a three iron, and I did the same thing there. It was basically a bad swing."
Watch the final round of The Open live on Sky Sports - your proud new home of The Open. Live coverage begins on Sunday from 7.30am.
