Rory McIlroy has no other option than to step up as the Masters approaches
Rory McIlroy’s early-year schedule is packed as he gears up for the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio, a crucial stop on his journey towards the Masters, where he aims to complete the career Grand Slam. His approach this year involves playing more tournaments than usual, starting with events in Dubai on the DP World…
Rory McIlroy’s early-year schedule is packed as he gears up for the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio, a crucial stop on his journey towards the Masters, where he aims to complete the career Grand Slam. His approach this year involves playing more tournaments than usual, starting with events in Dubai on the DP World Tour before transitioning to the PGA Tour.
The Texas Open marks McIlroy’s eighth tournament of the year, as he seeks to fine-tune his game before the Masters. Despite a strong start in Dubai with a runner-up finish and a win, McIlroy’s form has dipped on the PGA Tour, with only one top-20 finish in five appearances. However, he has taken advantage of a two-week break since his last outing at Sawgrass to work on his game in Florida.
Joining McIlroy in the Texas Open are fellow Irish players Séamus Power, who aims to secure a late Masters invitation with a win, and Pádraig Harrington, playing on a sponsor’s exemption. For McIlroy, this tournament presents a final opportunity to iron out any issues in his swing before Augusta National.
McIlroy’s struggles on the PGA Tour are reflected in his current 66th position on the FedEx Cup standings. Despite this, he remains optimistic, stating, “I feel like that’s my floor and I haven’t quite got to the golf that I’ve wanted to get to my ceiling.” With dedicated practice over the past fortnight, McIlroy is hopeful that his efforts will pay off in San Antonio and, more importantly, at the Masters.
Meanwhile, Shane Lowry has opted for a different approach, making a visit to Augusta National to prepare for his return to the Masters. Lowry has been in solid form, with strong showings in the Florida Swing before competing in Singapore on the DP World Tour.
In the women’s golf scene, Leona Maguire and Stephanie Meadow are gearing up for the T-Mobile Match Play Championship at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas. Maguire, who finished third in the tournament last year, will use this event as preparation for the Chevron Championship, the first women’s Major of the year.
The Match Play Championship features an altered format this season, with 96 players competing in stroke play rounds before the top eight advance to the weekend’s match play phase. Meadow will be looking to bounce back from a recent missed cut in the Ford Championship as she competes in Las Vegas.