Rory McIlroy made yet another real statement ahead of the Masters by earning a spot in a playoff at the Players Championship as he chases victory for the second time in his career at TPC Sawgrass.
Rory McIlroy was likely to be the name everyone was looking out for heading into the final round of the Players Championship, with the Northern Irishman just four shots back of J.J. Spaun. Plenty expected McIlroy to go on and win at TPC Sawgrass.
An early eagle set the tone, and shortly after the turn, McIlroy boasted a three-shot lead over the chasing pack. A lengthy putt almost immediately after the weather delay showed that the 35-year-old’s momentum had not been derailed by the lengthy break – though he will have to win a Monday playoff with Spaun to secure the title.
Of course, McIlroy has already won this season. He clinched the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am for the first time in his career earlier this year. And his performance at Sawgrass appears to have sent an ominous message to his potential rivals ahead of the first major of the year.
Paul McGinley says one part of Rory McIlroy’s game is better than he has ever seen
McIlroy, of course, is yet to find a way to get across the line at Augusta National. But there almost appears to be something different about the four-time major champion in the early stages of 2025.
And speaking to Sky Sports during the delay, Paul McGinley suggested that he cannot remember seeing McIlroy in better form on the greens.
“Yes, he comes in and out of form somewhat. He seems to have a little more belief this year in terms of getting over the line. For me the win last year in Dubai at the end of the year, after so many close calls for him during the year where it wasn’t happening for him, there was a lot of questions being asked about him and can he get over the line, particularly with how he lost the US Open,” he said.
“There was a little bit of a wobble on the last day but I think the way he closed out that tournament gave him a real impetus this year to come out stronger and we have seen it so far. Certainly the way he bossed the field at Pebble Beach, he has never played well there in the past. He has always got frustrated on those poa annua greens. He didn’t let it get to him, he was fantastic and then the famous drive he hit on 14 over the house, and dominating that tournament.
“Where we have him this week is that he is not really on his game. Nothing is spectacular. His putting is certainly a lot better than it has ever been before, but he is able to dig it out and that comes from belief. I trace that back to the end of last year in Dubai where that kind of belief has been reinstated again.”
McIlroy not entirely happy with his performance at the Players Championship
The worry for McIlroy’s fans is that it has not been a flawless start to the season. He was really poor on Sunday at the Genesis Invitational, while he was not really a factor at the Arnold Palmer Invitational either.
And McIlroy’s hopes of winning at Sawgrass appeared to be dented after the third round as he shot a one over par 73 to leave himself needing a fast start.
Funnily enough considering McGinley’s comments, McIlroy felt he struggled on the greens on day three, with the tournament organisers allowing the putting surfaces to be slower due to the high winds.
And he did definitely leave the door open for his rivals on Sunday after a few shaky shots. But, whatever happens on Monday, the momentum heading into the Masters is definitely with McIlroy.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
