Dame Laura Davies has tried to explain why Rory McIlroy isn’t at the peak of his powers at the moment.
The Northern Irishman has played five events in 2024 and hasn’t missed a cut. Four top 25 finishes have also ensued, but – to date – the 34-year-old hasn’t threatened the leaders.
And before next week’s Masters at Augusta, Davies has attempted to explain why things aren’t quite working out.
What has Laura Davies said about Rory McIlroy?
Speaking on talkSPORT on Friday morning, Davies believes a lack of confidence is taking its toll.
“It’s confidence,” she explained. “The thing about golf is that it is all confidence, and once your confidence goes, I don’t care if you’re the best or number 100 in the world, once you have lost that little bit of magic that he had and all the players were scared if Rory was on the leaderboard.”
Davies also suggested that McIlroy’s wedge play has eeked its way into the rest of his game.
“But he’s hit a few bad shots, his wedge game has gradually gone through the rest of his game, which is the biggest problem with it now. He drives it magnificently, if it was all about driving he’d probably win, because the longer and straighter you hit it around Augusta it’s a huge advantage but I can’t see him getting his confidence back this quickly.
“He has come from a position where he was top five, top 10, virtually every tournament, and now he’s missed a cut and had 30th and 40th-based finishes. And once that confidence drains out of you, it’s so hard to get it back.”
How is Rory McIlroy playing this week at the Valero Texas Open?
Davies’ comments could be slightly premature. The Northern Irishman is firmly in contention at the Valero Texas Open after rounds of 69 and 70.
The 34-year-old is currently fifth on five-under-par, six shots adrift of Akshay Bhatia. McIlroy will be delighted with his opening rounds at San Antonio in what is the last event before Augusta.
In a strong field, his game appears to be edging into the right place as he finally attempts to land a green jacket.
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