RORY MUST REIN IT IN
Play it cool in Augusta, McGinley tells McIlroy
RORY McIlroy’s Masters’ dream depends on the four-time major winner curbing his aggressive streak at Augusta and putting course strategy first, according to Paul McGinley.
The former European Ryder Cup captain, an ardent McIlroy fan, reckons the 28-year-old needs a 72-hole gameplan based on patience rather than impulsiveness.
‘Jack Nicklaus, who has won the Masters more than anyone, has said it’s a course where you need to play conservatively and pick your moments to attack,’ said McGinley yesterday.
‘It’s about strategy, course management and respect.
‘In other ways, such as the par fives, you can attack the hell out of it. For Rory, it’s about knowing when to hold and when to fold.
‘One of the reasons Rory is so charismatic is because he plays so aggressively.
‘He is his own man and he knows the mistakes he’s made at Augusta in the past and where he made them.
‘There’ll be a time next week to back off and to take it on. On the par fives, I think you’ll see the shackles coming off,’ added the 2014 Ryder Cup winning captain.
McIlroy can become the sixth golfer to complete the Grand Slam with victory in a tournament where he has had a number of top tens but has only mounted a serious challenge once.
‘It’s very hard to gauge how he will do. Rory comes in and out. He’s not steady like Tiger [Woods] was when he dominated,’ said McGinley.
‘He has history on his shoulder as only five golfers have won the Grand Slam. He’ll have to embrace that.
‘Since the 80 in the last round [2011], he’s never threatened to win. If he gets into contention, the fireworks can happen as they did at Bay Hill.
‘With Tiger and so many other narratives to the build-up, it will suit Rory. The less pressure on Rory the better.’
McGinley, who will be part of the Sky Sports team next week, reckons it would be ‘monumental’ if Woods, at 42, equalled Nicklaus’ record haul of six green jackets.
‘Everybody loves a comeback,’ he said.
‘We all know how far Tiger has fallen. It would be monumental if he wins. He’s trending the right way but I’m not sure if he’s ready for another major just yet.’
In contrast, McGinley reckons Jon Rahm is knocking at the door of the Butler Cabin.
‘Jon will be a world number one. He plays with his heart, and I like that. So does Bubba Watson and Tyrell Hatton. Jon’s only weakness is a bit of immaturity but he has a game that is capable of winning next week.’
McGinley, a stickler for the game’s traditions, is not in favour of increasing the numbers to allow more golfers inside the top 100 play in the Masters.
‘I don’t think the formula needs messing with. If you can’t get into the top 50, that’s the standard. There is no need to extend the field in any way.’