Rory McIlroy Comes To The Masters With Some Mo

Whoever talked former number one golfer Rory McIlroy into playing at The Valero Texas Open last week, made the right call. The 23 year-old McIlroy has been struggling with his golf game ever since the new season began back in Abu Dhabi, and he made the switch to Nike. He shot a closing round 66 on Sunday at TPC San Antonio, and finished alone in second place.

Rory McIlroy continues to struggle with his driver control, but he has alway been a little wayward with the big stick. It’s nothing new, he hits the ball so far, there are going to be times when it just won’t find the fairways. Tiger Woods has the same problem. The thing that makes both players unique, and winners, is their ability to scramble, and putt. This has been the crux for most of the problems the youngster has had all spring.

"“That was the plan this week was to get myself tournament ready,” McIlroy said after a 66 Sunday. “It was a bonus that I got into contention and had a chance to win.“I think I know now where my game is at, and I’m happy with it. Everything that I wanted to accomplish this week, I accomplished.”"

McIlroy got it on-track Friday afternoon with a -5 under 67 which included birdies on the closing three holes. After a mediocre performance on Saturday, where he shot 0ne under, he got his putter going on Sunday. He picked up one of his two bogeys at the turn on the tenth hole, but put up four birdies coming down the stretch. McIlroy showed us some of the magic that won him the money title on both tours and the Race To Dubai at the end of the 2012 season.

Playing in the group just behind Texas Open Champion, Martin Laird, McIlroy hit his drive at 18 over 340 yards(the longest of the day at 18) and watched as Laird scrambled to make birdie, and put the tournament out of reach. He had 247 yards to the pin, and needed double eagle to tie. He made the putting surface hole high left, and missed the eagle putt, but carded his final birdie of the day.

Based on what I saw at Houston last week, I had projected McIlroy to not make the cut at The Masters this week, but after what I saw on Sunday, I may have to re-think that position. Although I don’t think he has his game in the shape where he can win his first Green Jacket, I do think his game is good enough to compete. I probably should pick up some salt at the grocery store to go along with the crow I’m probably going to have to eat Sunday afternoon.

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