Rory McIlroy believes he is turning the corner with his short game at The Barclays
Saturday 27 August 2016 11:19, UK
Rory McIlroy admitted he still needs to work hard on his wedge play and his putting after he fired an encouraging two-under 69 in the second round of The Barclays in New York.
McIlroy is happy with his long game, but he feels his approaches from 150 yards in have hindered his progress this season while his touch on the greens remains inconsistent.
The world No 5 made an excellent start to the second day on the tough Bethpage Black layout, making three birdies in four holes from the fourth before adding another at the 13th to move to four under for the tournament.
He did well to save par from over 12 feet at the next, but he could not do the same at each of the next two holes although he recovered with a pair of closing pars to remain within striking distance of the lead.
McIlroy also believes he is finally back to full fitness over a year after suffering a bad ankle injury which blighted his 2015 season, robbing him of the chance to defend his Open title at St Andrews.
"I think one of the big things I'm really excited about are things are back to where they were before my ankle injury," he told Sky Sports 4. "Even in the first part of this year my ball speed, my swing speed wasn't up to where I wanted it to be, but with that I can fully commit so I'm really happy with that.
"My wedge play hasn't been as good as I wanted it to be but off the tee and approach play from 150 and out has been great. Things I need to work on are from 150 in and obviously my putting."
McIlroy has put a new Scotty Cameron putter in his bag this week in his first appearance since missing the cut in the PGA Championship at Baltusrol last month, when he described his putting as "pathetic".
"It felt better than it did yesterday," he added. "You have to hole a few to get under par on this golf course, and I holed a couple. I actually holed a couple of good ones for par on the back nine to keep the momentum going. It's a work-in-progress but it's getting better, and as long as I keep seeing improvements, I'll be happy.
"I was a little disappointed to give a couple back on the way in but it's a tough golf course, and it's sort of inevitable that you're going to drop shots here and there. But two under par is good. I felt it could have been a bit better but I'm moving in the right direction."
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