Home News Rory McIlroy Comes Up Short In Shell Houston Open.

Rory McIlroy Comes Up Short In Shell Houston Open.

10 years ago by Bernie McGuire Comments Off

Double Major winning Rory McIlroy came up short on the opening of the Shell Houston Open needing 31 putts in a round of a two under par 70.

It left next week’s Masters favourite trailing five shots behind the leading American-born duo of Charlie Hoffman and Bill Haas who were also out in the afternoon half of the draw in posting seven under par 65s in overcast and sometimes drizzling rain conditions.

McIlroy was returning to competition for a first occasion since finishing T25th in last month’s WGC – Cadillac Championship.

And after spending many minutes on every green after putting out during Wednesday’s Pro-Am the 24-year old could not get a grip on the Golf Club of Houston course that was formerly known as the Redstone course here in suburban Humble and a handful of miles north of Houston, and America’s fourth largest city.

“I just struggled on the greens today leaving a lot of putts short and they’re not quite as fast as we are used to here,” said McIlroy.

“Obviously with the rain the greens were not as fast as we are used to here in Houston and I just struggled to get the ball in the hole and I think, given the forecast, it will be the case for the next few days.

“So I will work on my speed in what time is left this afternoon and hope to come out putting a lot better in the morning.

“But then I am very encouraged with how I hit the ball tee-to-green and I just didn’t score particularly well.

“I feel as though I am playing well enough to post a good number.”