Rory McIlroy has shared a keen piece of advice for amateur golfers desperate to improve their game. Part-time players can only dream of playing like the five-time major champion, but they can lower their handicap by taking a sensible, albeit “boring”, piece of guidance from the Northern Irishman.
McIlroy often tees up with amateur players and celebrities on the eve of tournaments and there are a number of pro-am events on the PGA Tour. Understandably, many pick his brain on improving their game but, according to McIlroy, they often ask the wrong questions.
Speaking after the recent Travelers Championship, the Masters champion said: “I’ll certainly help them to read a green. But the last thing they need is more swing thoughts in their head when they’re playing in these pro-ams.”
Rather than asking him how to improve their swing, players would be better off improving their course management and playing within their ability.
McIlroy said: “I think sometimes it’s just they try to take shots on or they try to hit a shot that they probably could pull off once or twice out of 10 instead of playing a little bit more percentage. That’s boring, but that’s certainly the most effective way to lower your score.”
Meanwhile, McIlroy is resetting his focus and his schedule in order to be on top form for Europe’s defence of the Ryder Cup. Finishing a distant seventh to Open champion and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler was not how he wanted to end his major season, especially on home soil at Royal Portrush.