JADED McILROY PAYS FOR TOUGH RUN

DEREK LAWRENSON

FOR Rory McIlroy, it proved a tournament too far. After all the excitement at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last Sunday, the busiest run of events he has played in years caught up with him as he crashed out of the WGC-Dell Match Play Championship yesterday. ‘I think, on reflection, six tournaments in seven weeks was one too many,’ he said. Nothing illustrated the mental lethargy he showed in his final group match against American Brian Harman quite like the 15-foot putt he had on the 14th green. Needing to hole it to keep his slim hopes of winning his group alive, McIlroy (right) committed the cardinal sin of leaving the putt short — something that would never happen if he were mentally alert. So, it’s on to the Masters on the back of a 5&3 tonking in his last competitive start, but there is no obvious reason why there should be a hangover by the time he gets to Augusta next weekend. ‘I’ve no worries at all about my game regarding the Masters,’ he said. ‘With a Wednesday start here, I just found it hard to get going again so soon after winning on Sunday. Winning always takes a lot out of you, so I’ll rest up over the weekend and then get some practice in for Augusta.’ Part of his preparation work will include a trip to the venue next Wednesday and Thursday, when he and caddie Harry Diamond will play some social golf with a couple of green jackets. ‘I’m not sure but we’ll play at least 54 holes, maybe even 72,’ said McIlroy. The under-rated Harman would be one of the last players you’d want to meet when feeling a bit flat. The lefty doesn’t hit the ball very far but is dogged and a beautiful putter. He used those attributes to full effect to take advantage of some poor work over the early holes from McIlroy and establish a lead that grew healthier as the match progressed. ‘We all know Rory, he’s a very intimidating golfer to play against but he didn’t have his best stuff and I played extremely well,’ said Harman, who would be a useful asset for the Americans at the Ryder Cup in September. ‘I’m proud to have come through a group with him in it.’ It was a good morning for the lefties as Bubba Watson, who won the Genesis Open recently to confirm his return to the elite, became the second man to advance to the last-16 matches taking place today. TV: WGC-Dell Match Play Championship LIVE on Sky Sports Golf from 2pm.