Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Rory’s right to be just a regular guy for a while
Rory is second favourite this week behind Jordan Spieth
I CAN’T remember the last time Rory Mcilroy played a regular week after a major. He will tomorrow, when he tees it up at the Travelers Championship in Cromwell. It has been a strange year for Rory, but in golf you always have to look forward. Yes, he’ll be frustrated with missing the cut at Erin Hills, but he’s got to focus on the here and now. What has gone wrong for him in recent weeks? Well, undoubtedly injury, marriage and equipment changes have all played a part. I also worry about his intense gym regime. I know it’s a “pet peeve” of Rory to be criticised for pumping iron, but I fear an obsession with physique can have a detrimental effect on a player’s mindset. You start trying to do more when, in golf, the key is often sticking to technique and structure. Rory’s newlywed status has also led to a change in dynamic off the course and this can take some getting used to. As a young, single man on tour, every week seems like a new week; but when you have a ring on your finger, adapting to the routine of married life can be challenging. Bedding in his new Taylormade equipment is also bound to be tough. Yes, it’s a lucrative deal and no doubt the clubs are great, but let’s not forget it took him a year to be comfortable with his Nike clubs. These things take time. You can feel fluid and accurate on the driving range, but it’s only when you get to test your clubs in a competitive arena that you truly feel at one with them. For one reason or another, Mcilroy has only played six times this year and it has taken a toll on his performance levels. It’s crucial he gets more gametime and chases tournament sharpness as he bids to climb the Fedex and Race to Dubai rankings. He is currently 13th in the Race to Dubai and a distant 69th on the Fedex points list. I never thought I’d write this, but the Travelers is suddenly a very important week for him. He craves momentum and the kind of adrenaline rush that only a victory can deliver The last time he felt that was back in January when he won in South Africa. Let’s be clear. Rory, on top form, is still the main man, but with the Open just four weeks away it’s time to walk the walk. TPC River Highlands will suit his game – but on current form, it’ll be interesting to see if he lives up to his 9/1 standing behind 8/1 favourite Jordan Spieth. Class is permanent, but his performance in Florida will tell us a lot about the state of his game heading into the heart of the summer.