What Rory McIlroy did on the 15th hole at Torrey Pines which proved he’s going to be a ‘big problem’ to Scottie Scheffler in 2025

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Rory McIlroy is hunting his second PGA Tour win in as many starts at this week’s Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines.

Fresh off winning the AT&T Pro-Am at Pebble Beach, McIlroy appears in a confident mood in San Diego and is attacking the testing layout with his distance off the tee.

Despite many suggesting the thick rough could make life challenging this week, McIlroy is looking to take on Torrey Pines and even admitted he’s happy to approach the greens from off the fairway.

Whatever the Northern Irishman is doing is clearly working. McIlroy is five under for the tournament and is three shots back of leader Davis Thompson. World number one Scottie Scheffler starts the third round one shot back (seven under).

Trevor Immelman drops verdict on Rory McIlroy

Trevor Immelman lauded McIlroy’s chipping at Pebble Beach, and now the South African believes one shot McIlroy hit at Torrey indicates that he could be a real threat this season.

After hitting a 314-yard drive, McIlroy was left with a 158-yard approach shot, which he hit to 6ft before holing the putt.

At times, the Northern Irishman’s short iron play has let him down. Immelman, however, suggested McIlroy’s approach play improvement means he could be a “problem” this year.

“The swing Rory just made on approach to 15 is why I think he’s gonna be a big problem for these guys this year,” he wrote on X.

• READ MORE: Scottie Scheffler has now done something 21 more times than Rory McIlroy on the PGA Tour since 2022

Rory McIlroy takes down Torrey Pines with his driver

Despite only hitting 13 fairways in 36 holes, McIlroy ranks second for strokes gained off the tee, which perhaps indicates just how much of a weapon his distance is off the tee.

The Northern Irishman is more than happy launching the ball as far as he can and then gauging a wedge out the rough.

Despite Immelman’s claim, McIlroy’s approach play is still an area that needs work. He currently ranks 39th in the field for strokes gained approach.

If the four-time major winner can tighten up his driving accuracy, there’s no doubt he will start to hit more greens and hole more putts. After 36 holes in San Diego, McIlroy is 18th in greens in regulation.