Just over a week remains until Rory McIlroy’s Masters title defence gets underway
Rory McIlroy’s preparation for the Masters has been far from ideal(Image: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Paul McGinley has voiced concerns about Rory McIlroy’s chances of defending his Masters title this year. McGinley highlighted the 36-year-old’s recent back struggles, along with the brutal list of extra-curricular tasks he has to do because he is the reigning champion, as the key reasons.
Five-time major champion McIlroy will begin his defence of the Green Jacket on April 9 in Georgia, 12 months on from his dramatic play-off victory over Justin Rose. The preparation for last year could not have been better, claiming two wins on the PGA Tour before arriving at Augusta National.
The build-up has been vastly different this year. He found momentum with a runner-up finish at The Genesis Invitational in February but he was forced to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational a fortnight later with a back problem.
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He managed to complete four rounds at The Players Championship the following week but finished well off the pace in T46, and he took the bold decision to take three weeks off ahead of the Masters. Pomp and ceremony are an integral part of Masters week, with hosting the Champions Dinner among a lengthy list of responsibilities on McIlroy’s plate.
Former Ryder Cup captain McGinley, a pundit for Golf Channel and Sky Sports, believes the lack of competitive rounds and a hectic week off the course in Augusta could hinder the world No. 2’s hopes of going back-to-back.
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McGinley told Sky Sports News: “He got disrupted in Florida and it really cost him two tournaments. Bay Hill, where he was doing OK after two rounds and had to pull out with a back injury, and the following week [at The Players], when he actually did play, but with no preparation. He finished well down the field and his stats were well off the pace there.
“So it is a bit worrying. He did get distracted, although he says he’s over the injury now and he’s taken a few weeks off. He’s at home in Florida practicing and getting ready.
“But it’s always difficult to defend at the Masters. There are so many obligations you have as a defending champion, not just hosting the dinner on Tuesday night for past champions.
“You know, he’ll probably be around there at the ladies’ event before that and maybe even the Drive, Chip and Putt for the kids the day before.
McGinley believes McIlroy’s lack of preparation could be costly(Image: Getty)
“So there are a lot of obligations, a lot of pressure, a lot of scrutiny, but I guess nothing like he had last year when he was on the verge of trying to win a Grand Slam, and eventually getting over the line in such incredible circumstances.”
McGinley insists McIlroy is still a genuine contender, though he thinks the Northern Irishman’s strongest opportunities to win a major will arrive later in the season.
McGinley added: “I think the distraction coming in for the Masters is going to be difficult for him to deal with, and once he gets through this Masters, he needs to reset himself on winning major titles again.
“He may well raise a gallop at the Masters. His form and his injuries in the past few weeks suggest that maybe he is going to be off the boil.
“It is going to be interesting to see how he handles all of that, but it is a golf course that suits him, and he’s going back to unbelievably strong memories from last year. Of course, you’re not going to discount him.”