PGA Championship: Brad Faxon has urged Rory McIlroy to perform at the PGA Championship after his recent string of poor finishes and aborted Grand Slam attempt at The Masters.
Following a good showing at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play and a missed cut at The Players, McIlroy saw his attempt to complete the career Grand Slam come to an abrupt halt with an early departure at The Masters. He subsequently struggled upon making his comeback at the Wells Fargo Championship.
Despite finishing in the top 10 of 17 majors over that time, the former world No. 1 has been unable to add to his four major championships. Faxon, who works with McIlroy on his putting, thinks there are still reasons for hope going into his return to Oak Hill.
According to Faxon, “A few aspects are favourable for Rory. He has played this golf course as it was designed following the renovation. He frequently visits Rochester because his wife Erica’s family is from here.
“He worked in similar methods last week since he had a break with longtime swing coach Michael Bannon, who travelled in for practice and stayed this week.
“On Thursday of last week, there was a surprise call from Tiger Woods. He received a small hint from Tiger when he remarked, ‘Hey, let’s talk a little about your swing.’ Anyone would take that! I’m hoping it all comes together.
“I believe Rory has to step it up this week because you need to be on top of your game in every aspect of this course, Rory said. However, because not everyone who hits it in the rough will be able to push it up near the green, the stronger players will find it a little bit simpler.”
Does McIlroy feel pressure?
The week after missing the cut at the first major of the year, McIlroy skipped the RBC Heritage, and he later acknowledged that his “mental and emotional well-being” was a contributing factor. The early withdrawal extended his winless major streak, which dates back to 2014.
In response to a question at his pre-tournament news conference before to the PGA Championship, the Northern Irishman said he was approaching big events differently. Faxon was glad to see the areas McIlroy is improving.
For golf live score, golf championship, all golf live, golf match today, latest golf news, golf live updates, latest golf news, all golf live today, golf tournament and other golf news follow Livematchupdates.com.
