McIlroy needs to work hard after Irish Open show

Rory McIlroy admitted he needs to work “pretty hard” on his game after a disappointing performance in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

McIlroy followed an opening 72 with a promising 67 but carded rounds of

73 and 74 over the weekend to finish two under par in a tie for 59th.

The four-time major winner will now head to the Renaissance Club for the Scottish Open before the final major of the year, the 149th Open Championship at Royal St George’s, the following week.

“I certainly don’t feel as good about where I’m at compared to where I was after the US Open,” said McIlroy, who held a share of the lead in the final round

at Torrey Pines before finishing in a tie for seventh.

“But I’ve got another week to get ready and prepare and I obviously want to play well next week. There’s nothing better than preparing for a major championship by getting into contention the week before.

“But I need to work pretty hard on my game the next few days before heading into the Scottish Open.

“I didn’t drive the ball well at all. I didn’t hit a fairway with my driver. The rest of the game actually feels OK, but when you’re not putting the ball in the fairway it’s hard to score.”

In contrast to McIlroy, reigning Open champion Shane Lowry will head into his title defence on a high following a closing 66.

Lowry, who will spend the next week practising on links courses around Dublin, said: “That’s probably why I’ve been so frustrated over the first few days because I feel like I have that round in me.

“It was my goal to go out and shoot a good number.”