On the eve of the British Open, Rory McIlroy makes light of his slump; slams critics and well wishers
Rory McIlroy struck back at critics yesterday, insisting his game was “heading in the right direction” on the eve of the British Open and asking “what’s the big deal?” about his recent slump.
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Rory McIlroy reacts after a shot at Muirfield yesterday. PIC/Getty Images
The World No 2 has failed to win a tournament all year after changing his management company and deciding to switch equipment providers, from Titleist to Nike.
Some pundits have suggested his relationship with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki may also be contributing to his decline.u00a0Fans are desperate for him, a golfing prodigy who in 2012 became the youngest player to win two majors since Seve Ballesteros in 1980, to rediscover his form.
“You’re going to go through highs and you’re going to go through lows. It’s just about trying to work your way out of the lows,” McIlroy told a press conference at Muirfield.
“It’s been difficult to try, I guess, to explain why I’m not playing well or why I haven’t had the results that I’ve wanted over the past six months. But I know that I’m working on the right things and I know that I’m doing the right things and I’m staying patient.
“And I know sooner or later it will turn around and I’ll play the golf that everyone knows that I’m capable of and the golf that I know that’s capable of winning major championships.”
McIlroy fended off what he regarded as unwarranted advice from major winners Nick Faldo and Tony Jacklin on the eve of the Open. u00a0Faldo said he should focus 100 percent on golf, while Jacklin said he needed to play more tournaments.
“It seems like a few guys have forgotten in a short space of time how hard you have to work and how tough this game can be,” McIlroy said.u00a0
Asked what he thought about all the criticism he was getting, the 24-year-old reigning US PGA champion replied: “What’s the big deal? I haven’t had the best six months, but it’s okay. I’m fine. I’ve got a good life. So, you know, it doesn’t bother me. I’m in a good place.”
McIlroy defended his decision to change all his equipment at the same time rather than do it incrementally.u00a0“I don’t mind maybe not playing your best golf for six months. It isn’t a huge sacrifice in a 30-year career,” he said.
The tinkering continues as McIlroy will have a new driver in the bag this week.u00a0Asked what shape his golf was in generally, he replied: “Promising. I think that’s the word. It’s promising. It’s definitely heading in the right direction and I’m excited for the next few weeks.”u00a0
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