Rory McIlroy has revealed that a specific wind direction disrupts his swing, sparking concerns ahead of The Open Championship. The six-time major winner struggled in the third round of the Genesis Scottish Open, finishing tied for seventh at 12 under par, five strokes behind winner Tom Kim.
What Happened at the Genesis Scottish Open?
McIlroy played well in the first two rounds but collapsed in the third, shooting a 3-over 73. Fog interrupted play on Saturday, forcing him to return Sunday morning to complete his round. He bogeyed four of his first nine holes without a single birdie.
The Northern Irish golfer explained that practicing in a left-to-right wind caused his club path and face to move too far apart. This led to errant shots, particularly with his irons.
Why Does This Matter for McIlroy’s Open Championship Hopes?
McIlroy’s admission has raised eyebrows, especially since he has mentioned this issue before. Golf Channel analyst Rex Hoggard questioned why such a seasoned player still faces this recurring problem.
Hoggard noted that McIlroy’s dramatic drop in form during the third round stood out. After a strong start, he went from contending to struggling, finishing four over par through nine holes.
What’s Next for McIlroy at Royal Birkdale?
McIlroy plans to practice in a right-to-left wind before heading to Royal Birkdale for The Open Championship. He believes this adjustment will help correct his swing issues.
Despite his struggles, McIlroy recovered in the final round, shooting his lowest score of the week. However, his early stumble proved too costly to catch the leaders.