Rory’s a Major threat
Rory McIlroy is “perfectly equipped” to end his six-year wait for Major No. 5 – once he wins his mental battle.
That’s the view of Paul McGinley, who reckons when the world No.1 conquers the pressure of a six-year hiatus, he’ll run over the top of rivals.
McIlroy stars in a charity skins event at Seminole Golf Club in Florida today as the game takes tentative first steps out of shutdown.
McGinley reckons not only was McIlroy “playing the best golf in the world” before the halt to play, he was playing “his best golf ”.
The Sky Sports Golf pundit said: “He’s perfectly equipped.
“So the fact he’s not won a Major for six years when he’s been winning all kinds of tournaments brings a lot of expectation and pressure.
“He’s also asked about it constantly, which only adds to it. He knows he is not going to be defined as a golfer by how long he was at No.1, by the money he’s won or by the number of tournaments he has won on the PGA or European Tour
“It’s going to be defined by how many Majors he has won. That brings its own pressures.” The 31-year-old and Dustin Johnson face Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff today, with at least $ 4million going to charity.
Once the Majors get back going again, McGinley said: “I don’t think it will be long before he is up there again.
“And when Rory wins that first one, it will be like a dam bursting open.”
Connor Syme earned almost £9000 for charity as the Scot won the European Tour’s second virtual event.
The 24-year- old shot an eight-under 64 for a two-shot win in the 28-man event at Portrush – from home. FoodTrain, which supplies meals to the elderly, and palliative care charity Hospice of the Valleys will benefit.
He said: “My girlfriend’s grandfather unfortunately passed away a couple of days ago after a two-year battle with bowel cancer. Hospice of the Valleys have been with him every step of the way and $ 5000 would mean a lot to them as it could offer more than a month of service towards someone like my girlfriend’s grandad.
“An incredible cause.”