Refreshed McIlroy ready for FedExCup push
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JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 07: Rory McIlory of Northern Ireland hits off a tee during a practice round of the Northern Trust at Liberty National Golf Club on August 7, 2019 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
Rory McIlroy feels the magnitude before THE NORTHERN TRUST
JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Rory McIlroy found his way to the lead through three rounds at the World Golf Championships – FedEx St. Jude Invitational, but knew deep down he didn’t have his best stuff.
Things weren’t on auto pilot like they are when the 2016 FedExCup champion is really firing. He was hoping to play well in the final round, but he didn’t know if he would. His irons and wedges just weren’t as crisp as he liked, but he had survived with some good putting. So while it was frustrating, it wasn’t a total surprise for the Northern Irishman on Sunday when he was overrun by Brooks Koepka.
“I didn't do many things wrong on Sunday in Memphis, but I didn't do much right,” McIlroy said.
“I had a wedge and I would hit it to 25 feet, and you're not going to hole putts from there. I holed a bunch from that range earlier in the tournament, but you can't rely on holing those putts each and every time you hit iron shots.
“I couldn't get the best out of myself when I really needed it, and that was more frustrating because of where my swing was. I just didn't hit it close enough on Sunday, and that was really the difference.”
McIlroy will attempt to join Tiger Woods as a two-time winner of the FedExCup over the next three weeks. He will start the Playoffs in second on the points list behind Koepka and hopes to exact a little bit of revenge from Memphis.
He spent last week working on his swing but also freshening up ahead of the Playoff run. As soon as he arrived at Liberty National, he could feel the seriousness among the players as they chase the $15 million FedExCup.
“There's certainly a different feel. There's a bit more of an intensity. I feel like after Memphis, it was a good reset for me,” McIlroy said.
“I feel like I've had a pretty good season, but I want to end it on a real positive note, and the way to end it on a positive note is to play well these next three weeks and giving myself a chance in Atlanta.
“I'm ready. I'm looking forward to it. I'm excited to get started tomorrow.”
