It’s been a few weeks now since Rory McIlroy dramatically won The Masters on a final hole playoff with Justin Rose and the now Grand Slam winner has been reflecting on his final round and just what was so different compared to the past.
McIlroy managed to hold Rose off by firing in a stunning wedge shot to within a couple of feet and as Rose missed his putt from 15 feet, McIlroy rolled in a tap in to finally win the green jacket.
In terms of the actual final round, McIlroy had a complete rollercoaster.
He made double bogey on the opening hole, then went four shots clear with six holes to play before seeing that lead evaporate after a disastrous double allowed Rose in. McIlroy then produced the shot of his life on 15 to go back in front, but then missed a putt on 18 to win outright.
However, overall, it was a display of mental strength from McIlroy and one which, in previous years, we might not have seen.
And McIlroy, speaking on his final round, has admitted the change in mindset he adopted.
Rory McIlroy shares how he kept positive despite final round Masters mistakes
Rory McIlroy has been reflecting on his winning week at Augusta and spoke openly about a number of things going through his mind while trying to get it done.
And interestingly, McIlroy has revealed that he was determined to keep positive thoughts even when in trouble.
“When I made a double on one, the first thing that came to my mind was ‘well Jon Rahm made a double on one in 23 and he went on to win’. So it was that every time I did something, it was replaced with a positive thought straight away, and I think that was the difference,” McIlroy admitted.
“It’s amazing to thing what happened on the Thursday and chipped into the water and then how I played it the next few days. I played it four under par. The two iron shots I played, that 7iron was a huge shot in the course of the tournament. I’ve always loved 15, always loved that second shot. That hole was very good to me.”
McIlroy had referenced Rahm in his post round interview in the first place but his comments on how much the mindset played on him is interesting.
Going into the rest of the year, you can only assume that that thought process will serve McIlroy well in winning further tournaments and majors.
Relaxed Rory McIlroy a dangerous prospect
Anyone who follows golf will have noticed the relaxed attitude from McIlroy this week ahead of the Zurich Classic.
Indeed, McIlroy even joked that Lowry had ribbed him during the opening holes in New Orleans, such was the low level of his performance.
Yeah, Shane got off to a really good start. I didn’t do anything. Shane joked I could have got a couple extra hours in bed if I wanted to,” McIlroy admitted.
“But yeah, I played a bit better coming in. Yeah, it was okay. We felt like we left a few shots out there, but we were just saying the two foursomes days on Friday and Sunday here are the important days in this tournament, and it’s important for us to obviously post a good score tomorrow.“
Clearly, the Masters has taken a load off of McIlroy’s mind and shoulders and while he and Lowry might not be winning just yet, there is a chance they do end up retaining their trophy.
Going forward, this relaxed Rory McIlroy is a problem for everyone else and come season’s end, we could be talking about one of the best years ever.
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