Rory McIlroy’s Augusta duck down to same tension that haunted Greg Norman: Steve Williams
Legendary caddie Steve Williams says he sees the same tension in Rory McIlroy at Augusta that cost Greg Norman an elusive green jacket.
Golf
Don't miss out on the headlines from Golf. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Legendary caddie Steve Williams says he sees the same tension in Rory McIlroy at Augusta that cost Greg Norman an elusive green jacket.
McIlroy, 35, goes into this week’s Masters in red-hot form after wins at the Players Championship and Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
A runner-up at Augusta three years ago and a six time top-10 finisher, McIlroy needs a Masters victory to become just the sixth player in history (and the first European) to complete the grand slam of golf.
But Williams, who carried the bag for Norman, Tiger Woods, Adam Scott and Raymond Floyd across 30 consecutive Masters tournaments, said he likened McIlroy’s failure to breakthrough at Augusta to the affliction that cruelled The Shark.
“Everybody, including Rory, is surprised that he has not won at Augusta,” Williams told CODE Sports.
“His game is absolutely ideal for there. He’s long, he hits it high, he has very good touch around the greens. Every part of his game is suited to winning at Augusta and the situation is somewhat like what Greg Norman went through.
“He’s got this burning desire to put that green jacket on, like Greg did, and sometimes the overwhelming desire to try to do something might make you play a little bit outside of your normal game plan.
“You might play a little bit too aggressive or too conservative.”
McIlroy reworked his swing at home in Florida over the off-season in search of a “more efficient” version he believes will not “break down as much under pressure”.
The world No. 2 and four-time major winner has also made changes to his schedule, aiming to be fresher when he takes the drive up Magnolia Lane this week.
And once the most outspoken critic of the breakaway Saudi-backed LIV tour, McIlroy has taken a back seat this year as PGA Tour player directors Tiger Woods and Adam Scott lead the reunification talks.
He last won a major in August 2014 and has failed in 38 subsequent attempts.
“It’s hard to fathom that he could go 38 majors without a win,” Williams says.
“He’s been injury-free and continues to play brilliant golf, it’s just incredible that he hasn’t won one. And every year when it comes to April he’s the first name that pops up in your head as to who is likely to win the tournament.
“Rory knows the significance should he win the Masters.
“You could arguably say that is golf’s most exclusive club, the guys who have won the grand slam.”
The grand slam club includes Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Gene Sarazen.
Masters broadcaster and Australian great Ian Baker-Finch said McIlroy “deserved to be in the grand slam club”.
“Even though Scottie Scheffler is the (bookies) favourite, I think Rory should be,” Baker-Finch said.
“He’s a better player this year than he was last year and to be honest, I think he deserves to be in the grand slam club. His body of work has proven to me that he deserves to be there and I reckon he is starting to believe that as well, and so maybe this year is the year.”
McIlroy has pocketed more than $158 million in prize money on the PGA Tour, second only to Woods on $191m.
More Coverage
Originally published as Rory McIlroy’s Augusta duck down to same tension that haunted Greg Norman: Steve Williams
Masters Showdown: Aussies in pursuit of green jacket glory
The Australians are on the march for another green jacket – with Min Woo Lee, Jason Day and Cameron Smith ready to lead the way at this year’s Masters.
Masters officials clear on LIV stance
New exemptions have been created for LIV players to get into two of the four majors, but the biggest of the lot is holding firm.