McIlroy Loses Masters Direction

Getty Images

Rory McIlroy admitted a poor finish to the third round had left him with little chance of completing his career grand slam in the Masters at Augusta.

McIlroy was six under par for his round after 15 holes but bogeyed the 16th and 18th and had to settle for a 68 to finish six under, with 36-hole leader Jordan Spieth showing no signs of coming back to the field.

"I'm going to need something basically around 61, 62 (tomorrow) to have a real chance. I'm not sure that's going to happen but we'll see," said McIlroy, who is looking to become just the sixth player in history to win all four major titles.

"I've really just tried to treat it like a normal golf tournament or treat it like any other year. Any other year that I've came to the Masters, I've done the same things.

"I wasn't approaching it like I was trying to win the grand slam. I was approaching it like I was trying to win another golf tournament. So I don't think it's really had any impact on the way I've played this week."

McIlroy feels like his knowledge of Augusta is improving with every round, although the bogeys near the end of his Saturday effort left him feeling a little flat.

He added: "I got off to a good start, sort of the way I wanted to play the front nine.

"I had not really played the front nine too well the last couple of days, so to play them under par was nice.

"I made a couple of good birdies on 13 and 15 so got it to eight under through 15 and then a disappointing finish. Overall I felt like I played pretty well and just a little disappointed the way I finished.

"I definitely feel like I play this golf course better and better every year that I come here. I just need to keep putting numbers up like I did today. I know I'm capable of it. Just a few stretches of holes have held me back and that's really been the case this year again."

Related articles

• McIlroy shoots 68 at the Masters
• Spieth has 64 for best opening round at Masters in 19 years
• Spieth sets another scoring record, keeps lead at Masters
• Little Linksters “Best Pee-Wee Golf Swing in the World” Video Contest Celebrates 5th Year
• US youngster Spieth five clear at Masters
• Spieth survives late stumble, leads Masters by 4

Rory Records First Pro Ace

Getty Images

Rory McIlroy celebrated his first hole-in-one as a professional after remaining firmly in contention at the halfway stage of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.

The world No 1 emulated Miguel Angel Jimenez’s first-day ace at the 177-yard 15th hole, while he also made five birdies and just one bogey in a 66 that left him just two shots behind leader Martin Kaymer.

The German, already a three-time champion in Abu Dhabi, was closing out a 67 that set the clubhouse target at 13 under just as McIlroy was beginning his second round.

The reigning Open and US PGA champion wasted no time in eating into Kaymer’s lead as he opened with a pair of birdies and lipped out for another at the third, but he then gave a shot back at the sixth.

McIlroy started the inward half as he began the first with back-to-back birdies, although he failed to convert superb approaches to both the 13th and 14th before conjuring up a moment of magic at the next.

His perfectly struck nine-iron pitched just short of the pin to the left, but his ball dug in on the first bounce and the cut-spin directed it straight into the cup.

McIlroy did well to save par on the 17th after driving into a fairway bunker, and he also found sand at the last before pitching to 12 feet and rolling in the birdie putt to reach 11 under.

"I felt really good,” he told Sky Sports 4. “I went to the range yesterday and worked on a couple of things and drove the ball much better today, which you need to around here.

"Ball-striking wise, I couldn't really fault it. I was playing really well from tee to green. I felt like I was hitting some good putts as well, but they just weren't dropping.

"As soon as it left the bat it looked like it had a chance. It's my first one ever in competition as a pro, and obviously the beers are on me"

"Overall I'm not going to complain with a 66 as it's a great position to be in going into the weekend."

And on his hole-in-one, McIlroy added: "It definitely made up for the previous two holes. It was a perfect number, a straight downwind 177.

"I had been playing well, but had not been putting so good, so that took the putter out of it! As soon as it left the bat it looked like it had a chance. It's my first one ever in competition as a pro, and obviously the beers are on me tonight."

Meanwhile, McIlroy’s good friend and playing partner Rickie Fowler was left in the shade as he made the halfway cut with nothing to spare on two under after a disappointing 75.

The young American was going along nicely after a couple of early birdies until he got into serious trouble at the eighth, where he lost a ball from the tee and ran up an ugly triple-bogey eight.

Fowler dropped two more shots over the back nine, but he regained his composure to record solid pars at the last three holes and ensure an extra 36 holes.

"I shouldn't have been anywhere close to the cut line," Fowler said. "It would be nice to get a good one together tomorrow and see if I can salvage a decent finish."

On his horror show at the eighth, he added: "I was swinging great coming out, the driver didn't feel very comfortable in my hands, but I was getting it around.

"My hand felt a little funny coming down and just made a funky move through the ball, my body stopped and flipped and I ended up in the junk on the left.

"There are a few holes out here where you can't miss it in one direction and that happens to be one of them."

Related articles

• Rory McIlroy hits first competitive hole-in-one
• Kaymer leads, McIlroy three back at Abu Dhabi
• Fowler's Abu Dhabi hopes flounder after triple-bogey
• Rory McIlroy gets first hole-in-one
• Watch Rory McIlroy bury his first career hole-in-one
• Rory McIlroy gets first hole-in-one

No Line on Horizon for McIlroy

Getty Images

Rory McIlroy and sports management company, Horizon Sports, have failed in their mandated mediation talks, the Commercial Court has heard. Resulting in the case proceeding to a full hearing in February 2015.

Mr McIlroy is suing Dublin-based Horizon Sports Management Ltd and two other companies, Gurteen Ltd, with a registered address in Malta, and Dublin-based Canovan Management Services.

The Holywood golfer claims a representation agreement signed by him in December 2011 is invalid and unenforceable on grounds including alleged undue influence. The agreement, he alleges, was signed when he was aged just 22, inexperienced and without the benefit of independent legal advice.

The defendants deny the claims and have counter-claimed for some US$3m dollars allegedly outstanding under the agreement for off-course revenues. They also claim additional monies are owed under both the December 2011 agreement and a later agreement of March 2013. 

They are also claiming damages for alleged past and continuing breaches of both agreements.

At the Commercial Court last month, Mr Justice Brian McGovern suggested the sides attempt to mediate the dispute and his suggestion was taken up.

When the matter was back before the judge today, he was told by Rossa Fanning BL, for Mr McIlroy, the mediation has proven unsuccessful and the case was proceeding to trial.

The judge agreed to deal with issues related to discovery of documents in mid November and adjourned the matter on consent.

Related articles

• Mediation fails in Rory McIlroy legal dispute
• Up in Flames: The Fight Over Burning Man
• Preparing For a Medical Malpractice Deposition: What you Need to Know
• Dimension, Inc. Announces the Filing of an Answer and Counterclaims to Protect Its Patents and Intellectual Property
• McIlroy v Horizon: Could Rory risk losing $30m plus?
• Judge orders 'peace talks' in McIlroy-Horizon case

McIlroy One of Game's Best - Torrance

Rory McIlroy deserves to be rated among the best golfers in history after his stunning performances this year, according to Sam Torrance.

McIlroy bounced back from a troubled 2013 campaign with four victories this season, including two majors and a maiden World Golf Championship title during a sparking run of form over July and August.

He kick-started his year with a superb win in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, and he produced a dominant display to collect his first Open title at Royal Liverpool in mid-July.

The Northern Ireland ace made it three wins in three starts with further victories at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and the PGA Championship, and he capped a memorable year by helping Europe to their third straight Ryder Cup triumph.

Torrance was one of Paul McGinley's assistant captains at Gleneagles, and he was hugely impressed with what he saw of McIlroy at close range.

"Rory is as good as I've seen in a long, long time," said the 61-year-old Scot. "He's got everything. Butch Harmon did an analysis of his swing and every single pinpoint part was in a perfect position.

"I don't think Rory can get much better and I fancy him to win any tournament he plays in. Every 10 or 20 years someone like him comes along" 

Sam Torrance

"I don't think Rory can get much better and I fancy him to win any tournament he plays in. Every 10 or 20 years someone like him comes along.

"Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Seve Ballesteros, Lee Trevino, Nick Faldo, these guys only come along every once in a while and Rory has now arrived and is here to stay."

McIlroy was close to unstoppable as he thrashed good friend Rickie Fowler 5&4 in Sunday's singles at the Ryder Cup, carding seven birdies and an eagle in a remarkable 14 holes.

"His start on the Sunday, 3-3-3-3-3, to go five up on one of the young American lions was extraordinary," added Torrance. "That's something Rory has got, the ability to turn it on. I watched him up close at Gleneagles and it was like something I've never seen before."

Torrance also admitted how "honoured" he was to be directly involved with Europe's Ryder Cup team for the first time since he captained the side to victory at The Belfry in 2002.

"It's been a long time, 12 years, since I was last in the team room and to be invited back was a huge honour," he said.

"The highlight for me was to be able to watch the way the players these days hit the golf ball. It's a game I'm unfamiliar with, the distance they hit it, the clubs they hit for their irons, and it's wonderful to watch.

"Everything about the European team was exceptional. The team effort, the way the players gelled, the way they looked after each other and the companionship in the team room."

Torrance also had nothing but praise for McGinley's leadership, adding: "He was as good a captain as there has ever been. Paul was meticulous in everything he did, it was a different style to anything I've ever seen.

"The team meetings every night, his involvement with the caddies, the people he got to come in and talk in the team room.

"He was positive, he was vocal, he spoke to everybody. His involvement with the caddies was special, he gave them a very high position that week, they had lunch with us in the team room all the time and it led to a great atmosphere," said Torrance.

"There was lots of banter and the atmosphere was really good from start to finish. His speeches at night, in the team meetings, were extraordinary, and for me it was just great to be a part of."

Related articles

• Maturing McIlroy wins second PGA Tour Player of the Year award
• 'Daylight was a distant second to Rory'
• Rory McIlroy finally looks ready to embrace being world No. 1, Jack Nicklaus says
• Ryder Cup: How the two teams compare ahead of the golf's greatest battle
• Ryder Cup: 5 reasons to watch - CBC.ca
• Ryder Cup: 5 reasons to watch

Rory Ryder Cup Ready

Getty Images

Rory McIlroy accepts he has greater responsibility in Europe's Ryder Cup team but says he is relishing his role.

The Northern Irishman, 25, is world number one after winning back-to-back majors earlier this year.

McIlroy said he had no qualms about being a target for the United States in the match at Gleneagles next week.

"I was world number one in 2012, but this is my third Ryder Cup and I'm not a rookie anymore. I've got more responsibility," he told BBC Sport.

"There are still a few guys older than me but I'm somewhat of a leader and will try to set an example and lead from the front.

"Hopefully captain [Paul] McGinley puts that trust in me and I can go and lead the team out and hopefully get a few points on the board for Europe."

McIlroy has played with fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell six times in the last two contests but are currently involved in a court case with McIlroy's former management company.

McGinley insists he has no concerns about putting them together again, and McIlroy says he wants to play with McDowell.

He added: "I'd like to tee it up with Graeme. We've done well in the past. [The 2012 captain] Jose Maria [Olazabal] decided to split it up at the end in 2012 and I played with Ian Poulter.

"I get on great with Graeme. We have a great chemistry on the golf course and I'm sure we can team up to win a couple of points for Europe."

Related articles

• Paul McGinley not worried about Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell relationship
• Rory McIlroy 'destroyed phone data', says Horizon affidavit
• Paul McGinley has no concerns over Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell
• McGinley has no concerns about McIlroy and McDowell's relationship
• Ryder Cup: Captain McGinley believes McIlroy and McDowell can play together despite court battle
• Paul McGinley has no concerns over Rory McIIroy and Graeme McDowell's relationship

Comeback McIlroy Fires 68

Getty Images

Rory McIlroy made a welcome return to form during a lightning-fast display in Saturday's third round.

Paired with American Charley Hoffman in the first group to tee off after lying stone last in the elite field of 70 overnight, McIlroy fired a three-under-par 68 in warm, sunny conditions at Conway Farms Golf Club.

Though he ran up a double-bogey six at the 13th after hitting his third shot thin from a bunker and overshooting the green, he otherwise played flawless golf, recording three birdies and signing off in style with an eagle at the last.

"It's funny," world number four McIlroy told reporters after he and Hoffman had raced around the par-71 layout in only two hours 35 minutes.

"You're going out there with no real goal.

"You're just trying to get in quick, you're just trying to play fast and you end up shooting a decent score.

"So maybe it's a case of I'm maybe just trying a bit too hard out there and not just letting it all sort of go," added the Northern Irishman, after posting a 10-over total of 223 in the third of the PGA Tour's four FedExCup playoff events.

The double major winner has endured a frustrating 2013 campaign after moving to the top of the world rankings last year and claiming the order of merit titles on both sides of the Atlantic.

In 15 starts on the PGA Tour this season, he has recorded just five top-10s, including a missed cut at the British Open in July.

Though McIlroy produced what he described as "glimpses" of good form during the first two playoff events, he made a bad start to this week with opening scores of 78 and 77.

"I'm looking forward to getting my game back to where it was," said the 24-year-old, who has not won a tournament since the European Tour's DP World Tour Championship in Dubai last November.

"I'm striking the ball well. That part of my game is totally fine. Just have to tighten it up around the greens and I'll be okay."

McIlroy, whose hopes of qualifying for next week's season-ending Tour Championship in Atlanta evaporated after his poor start at Conway Farms, was mainly happy with his form on Saturday.

"But I have to throw in a double bogey," he laughed, having recorded a double in each of his three rounds this week.

"A round isn't complete without a double bogey these days."

McIlroy, who hit a brilliant second shot from 202 yards to six feet at the par-five 18th, jested that he and Hoffman had been disappointed after initially aiming to complete the third

round in two hours 30 minutes.

"We were looking for his ball on the fourth (hole) so he messed it up," McIlroy said with a grin after the pair had finished five minutes over their target.

Related articles

• McIlroy Bounces Back at Barclays
• McIlroy's woes continue
• Tiger and Rory on Mission
• Rory McIlroy feeling good after PGA Championship
• Rory Labours Through Boston Storm
• GTC: Former No. 1s Rory, Luke look to salvage season

Rory Labours Through Boston Storm

Getty Images

Rory McIlroy met the violent electrical storm which hit TPC Boston on Saturday forcing him to re-start his third round.

Yet instead of wallowing in another stroke of misfortune, McIlroy, 24, rebounded to play some of his best golf of the season, shooting a seven-under par 64 to sit eight under for the tournament

Already intensely frustrated by his failure to make any significant headway during the first 36 holes of his title defence at the Deutsche Bank Championship, the Holywood native then had a birdie wiped off by PGA Tour officials.

After scraping through the cut on the mark, one-under, McIlroy made an good start,picking up a birdie four at the long second. However, this effort was declared null and void when the storm swept in.

Play was halted for three hours, 29 minutes and with bad weather forecast, officials felt they'd no option but to re-start the third round from scratch if the tournament was to make its scheduled Monday finish.

The 76 survivors were redrawn in threeballs and sent off from two tees with preferred lies allowed on rain-softened fairways.

McIlroy had completed three holes in one-under when the hooter sounded. Yet those early morning efforts were wiped out and McIlroy had to start again at 10 when play eventually resumed.

After a birdie at the par-three 11th, the Ulsterman slumped to a double-bogey six at 14, where he blocked his tee shot deep into trouble and then missed from inside five feet for bogey.

But there were hugely encouraging signs as he then embarked on a splendid birdie blitz, landing six in his next eight holes before taking another at the seventh and his last hole.

No matter where they finish today in Boston, McIlroy and Graeme McDowell both will make the 70-man field at the third playoff, The BMW Championship.

McDowell was level with Tiger Woods on six-under after following up Saturday's bogey-free 66 with a third round 69. Tiger will retain his lead in the FedEx Cup race even if a one-over 73 left him and McDowell 13 off the pace set by third-round leader Sergio Garcia (-19).

Related articles

• Rory McIlroy feeling good after PGA Championship
• McIlroy Bounces Back at Barclays
• McIlroy Cards Liberty 65
• Garcia with the lead and facing a shootout
• Garcia with the lead and facing a shootout
• Rory McIlroy's 2013 PGA Championship hopes come undone early with water ball