This week will see Rory McIIroy return to the Honda Classic to defend his title.
Last years win was enough to propel him to the top of the world rankings for the first time. He had to hold off a last day charge from Tiger Woods, who shot a closing 62, to come within two shots of the young Northern Irishman. Last weeks WGC Matchplay event in Arizona, saw the worlds top two fall at the first fence. McIlroy lost out to fellow Irishman, Shane Lowry and Woods was outplayed by Charles Howells. So with the worlds top two at a loose end for the weekend, they met up on Sunday and played 36 holes together. What better way for McIlroy to prepare for this weeks defence, than playing practice rounds with the fourteen time, major winner?
Both men missed the cut at Abu Dhabi and both were first round casualties at the matchplay. There may be a point to prove from both, with McIlroy, already having to defend his new Nike equipment and says he’s more concerned about working on his swing than his recent change of equipment. “It’s more about how I’m swinging the club, that’s the real concern”, McIlroy said. “It was a little bit mental, but it was more physical”. He went on to say, “I’m only two tournaments into the season, I’ve got twenty more”.
McIlroy will tee it up alongside, South African and reigning British Open Champion Ernie Els and American Mark Wilson. Woods who after missing the cut at Abu Dhabi won his PGA season opener at Torrey Pines, will play the first two rounds with fellow American, the big hitting, Dustin Johnston and Germany’s Martin Kaymer.
