The Masters: McIlroy 'encouraged' despite underwhelming start in Grand Slam pursuit

By Sports Desk April 08, 2021

Rory McIlroy's quest for a career Grand Slam may have to wait another year after an underwhelming opening day at the Masters, but he says he was encouraged by the way he finished his round.

The 31-year-old Northern Irishman made six bogeys on the first day at Augusta, finishing with a four-over 76, leaving him well off the pace set by Justin Rose with a seven-under 65.

McIlroy's best ever finish at the Masters was fourth in 2015, having won the 2012 and 2014 US PGA Championship, 2011 U.S. Open and 2014 Open Championship.

"My goal is to play well and at least give myself a chance," McIlroy told a news conference after his opening round.

"Honestly I'm quite encouraged with how I hit it on the way in. I hit some loose shots out there, but after hitting the  six iron in the water on 13, I hit some really good shots coming in, so I'm encouraged by that.

"It was just one of those days where I wasn't very efficient with my scoring.

"You're sort of fighting against momentum, but if you make a birdie then you can sort of get going, and [it was] just one of those days.

"But I hung in there, hit some good shots coming in, could have made a couple more birdies, but it's not as if anyone is going really low out there.

"Hopefully feel a little more comfortable tomorrow, go out there and shoot a good one."

There was a bizarre moment for McIlroy when his approach on the seventh hit an onlooker, which was later revealed to be his father, Gerry.

"It was a perfect shot; it was dead straight but I think he was okay," McIlroy said.

"He didn't limp away. He walked away pretty swiftly, so that was all right."

He added: "I knew it was my dad when I was aiming at him."

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    Waring, who shot a course-record 61 in the second round, closed out with a six-under-par 66 at Yas Links to beat Tyrell Hatton by two shots, finishing on 24 under.

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    Waring's win marks just his second DP World Tour success, and his first title in six years.

    "To keep control of myself in the way I did, I'm really proud of myself. I'm a bit taken aback right now," said Waring.

    "I felt that my golf game has been in such a good place over the past year, I just haven't put it all together. What a week for it all to click together."

    McIlroy's efforts on the final day, meanwhile, saw him finish a shot ahead of Thriston Lawrence, who is the Northern Irishman's closest challenger in the Race to Dubai rankings.

    "I set myself a target with six holes to go and I achieved that target," said McIlroy.

    "I was glad to make the four at the last and give myself a little bit more of a cushion going into Dubai."

    Tommy Fleetwood rounded out with 67, meaning he finished tied for fourth on 20 under, two shots ahead of Shane Lowry, who dropped three shots across the final six holes.

    The DP World Tour season wraps up in Dubai next week, with McIlroy looking well set to finish top of the standings.

  • Defending champion Andrew Arft aims to repeat victory at Jamaica Open Defending champion Andrew Arft aims to repeat victory at Jamaica Open

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  • Team Palladium claims victory in Pro-Am tournament at 57th Jamaica Open Golf Championship Team Palladium claims victory in Pro-Am tournament at 57th Jamaica Open Golf Championship

     Team Palladium emerged victorious in the Pro-Am tournament ahead of the 57th Jamaica Open Golf Championship at Tryall Golf Club on Saturday, outplaying 19 other teams to claim the top spot. Each team in the competition comprised three amateur golfers paired with one professional, making for an exciting lead-up to the official championship.

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    The second-place team, led by pro golfer Joshua Seales, finished with a score of 53.25 points. Not far behind, the team led by pro Patrick Coles claimed third place with 53.375 points.

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    With the Pro-Am tournament now complete, attention turns to the main event. The three-day 57th Jamaica Open will tee off on Sunday, November 10, at 8:00 a.m., with defending champion Andrew Arft set to begin his title defense at 10:40 a.m.

     

     

     

     

     

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