Paul McGinley backs Rory McIlroy to bounce back at The Masters
Saturday 25 March 2017 00:18, UK
Paul McGinley reflects on an early exit from the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play for Rory McIlroy and assesses the World No 2's Masters credentials.
McIlroy is such an inspirational player and we all know he has got the game. We know he can putt well, know he has got the heart and know he can handle the big situations.
He is trying to win the Grand Slam, which only a handful of people have ever done, so he is getting into the zone and getting that look in his eyes.
"Since he's come back from that injury, he got himself in contention at Bay Hill, contended down in Mexico and would have contended had he not been very unfortunate this week."
We saw him when he hunted down Dustin Johnson to win the FedExCup last year. With nine holes to go, there was only one thing on his mind and he was absolutely lazered in with his focus.
That's the thing with McIlroy - he has played enough good golf to be prepared for the Masters. His confidence is right where it needs to be, so it's all lined up for him.
Now it's a question of focus, concentration and having a good game plan, plus it's also about a little bit of Lady Luck.
McIlroy said himself about the problems he has faced at the fourth and 11th holes last time out at Augusta, and they'll be on his mind again this year.
Live Masters - Par Three Tournament
If you want to be a champion and want to join the greats like only so few in the history game have done, you have to overcome hurdles like that. That's the challenge awaiting Rory.
I think McIlroy is still in a really good place. Since he's come back from that injury, he got himself in contention at Bay Hill, contended down in Mexico and would have contended had he not been very unfortunate this week.
He was four under par and lost his game against a very good Soren Kjeldsen, when he'd have won 90% of the other matches on that opening day. With the walkover in his group he's suddenly out, which Kjeldsen took advantage of and all credit to him.
Maybe having the weekend off and a few extra days practice will keep his spirits up and is going to set him up nicely for a couple of weeks' time.
