After facing yet another cruel chapter in his heartbreaking season last week at the Irish Open, Rory McIlroy has shown his resilience at Wentworth by challenging for the win once more.
In an attempt to move past a painful summer, Rory McIlroy says he has accepted the physical blows of a difficult season. He is competing at Wentworth on Sunday.
At the BMW PGA Championship, the 35-year-old shot a six-under-par 65 on Saturday to tie for second place at 15 under, three shots behind leader Matteo Manassero. After losing to Rasmus Hojgaard by a single shot in the final round of the Irish Open last week due to two late bogeys, McIlroy has responded brilliantly in Surrey.
McIlroy’s season has been cruel, and the finish at Royal County Down only made it worse. He hasn’t won since losing out on US Open glory in June due to a stunning collapse at Pinehurst No. 2. The Ulsterman was also unsuccessful on the back nine of the final round, which prevented him from winning an Olympic medal in Paris.
The world No. 3 player takes great pride in his perseverance, and he claims that the disappointing outcomes of this season have not had as big of an impact on him as some may have thought. He claims he will soon be “due” a victory.
Following his third round, McIlroy remarked, “I keep saying some people think I took it harder than I actually did.” “I’m performing admirably. I’m refining my gameplay. While I’m here, I’m practicing good hygiene. I’m making an effort to stay true to what I know, which is to go out there and try to shoot the highest scores I can and see where it gets me at the conclusion of the week.
“I believe my career has been a familiar tale. I experience setbacks, but I typically bounce back quite nicely. Of course, some are harder than others, but I believe resilience is a must in this game.
“You have to accept and be okay with the fact that you will lose a lot more than win. You have to realize and understand that. This year, I’ve definitely been more accepting, but it’s nice to be back in the mix.
“I’ve given myself plenty of chances, but I haven’t won since May. Although I’m due, it doesn’t guarantee that it will occur. I’ve always enjoyed trying to get off to a quick start in this situation, a couple back. In doing so, hopefully, I can exert some pressure on early doors.”
McIlroy, who will be in the front row at Wembley Stadium cheering on Anthony Joshua in his heavyweight title fight against Daniel Dubois this evening, remembers winning the trophy ten years ago at Wentworth after rallying from a seven-shot deficit in the final round.
“It’s only three back tomorrow, I don’t have to come from seven,” McIlroy remarked. “Hopefully, observe Matteo’s actions as well, and ideally, join them in the final group. Even with his level of play, it’s still a difficult task. However, it’s all out if I get off to a quick start.”
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