Rory McIlroy is seeking assistance from renowned coach Butch Harmon to address his ‘two-swing’ challenge ahead of the Masters tournament.
The World No. 2 golfer is using the Valero Texas Open as preparation for his bid to complete the career grand slam. Despite a strong start to the season with notable finishes in Dubai, McIlroy’s performance on the PGA Tour has been inconsistent, with just one top 20 placement in five tournaments.
Struggling primarily with his approach play, McIlroy has been actively working on his game, including sessions at Michael Jordan’s exclusive Grove XXIII in South Florida with his long-time coach, Michael Bannon. Additionally, he has sought Harmon’s expertise, known for guiding top players like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Dustin Johnson to major victories.
McIlroy had previously consulted Harmon during a slump in 2021, valuing his extensive experience with various players’ techniques. His current challenge revolves around reconciling the differing sensations in his swings, particularly between his woods and irons.
While McIlroy excels as a driver, his approach play has faltered, highlighting the need for consistency across all clubs. The discrepancy in his swing mechanics has led to difficulties in replicating successful movements from one club to another.
The urgency to address these issues is heightened by the upcoming Masters, where proximity to the hole is crucial. McIlroy acknowledges the disparity in his swing thoughts between woods and irons, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches for each club.
Experts speculate whether McIlroy’s struggles are mental or physical, with instructors noting differences in his swing dynamics between woods and irons. This ‘two-swing’ dilemma presents a unique challenge for McIlroy as he seeks to optimize his performance on the course.