Four-time Major champion Rory Mcllroy has admitted that he is battling an elbow injury as he prepares for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National.
The current world No. 2 showcased an impressive performance at the Houston Open, achieving a four-under 31 on the front nine, which included an eagle. Moreover, he followed up with three additional birdies as he ended his round with a bogey, which resulted in his tie for fifth place. The athlete was then given a major confidence boost as he journeys towards his first Major win since winning the 2014 PGA Championship.
Mcllroy shared that his right elbow has been a challenge though he delivered strong rounds of 65-64 at the last competition. He said: “I will get some treatment on that and make sure that that’s OK going into Augusta.”
As part of his preparation for the Masters, Mcllroy is opting out of the Texas Open to rest his injury and make necessary modifications to his game.
He shared: “I just took a little bit of loft off it… I felt like it was getting a little bit spinny, especially if I wanted to hit cuts off the tee, so I took a little bit of loft off it.”
“Definitely went through the wind better and felt a little more comfortable,” he added.
Mcllroy’s athletic performance
The Masters Tournament is the only Major title that is missing from Mcllroy’s collection.
He tied for 22nd in 2024, and missed the cut at Augusta in 2023. However, he finished as the runner-up behind Scottie Scheffler in 2022.
Mcllroy remarked: “This week, going forward, it’s just about feeling as comfortable as I can be with the things I’ve been working on, which is sort of iron play, wedges… Obviously, short game’s really, really important around Augusta as well. You know, work on those things over the next few days and hopefully I’m feeling good going in there.”
Recently, the athlete won the PLAYERS Championship. On social media, the tournament organisers posted his win and said: “Seeing double.”
Netizens congratulated the athlete and shared their support. One netizen commented: “Go on Rory. Now take down Augusta!!! We are all with you”
Another netizen said: “Well played Rory. A great week’s golf. All the best for the season ahead …”
One more netizen shared: “You’re the absolute best player , best person!”