The sight of Rory McIlroy wearing red pants on the final day of the Australian Open failed to fire the World No. 1.
McIlroy looked delighted to get off the Australian Club course after rounds of 69. 69, 76 and 72 for two over par tally and a then share of 15th place in the defence of the Stonehaven Trophy.
The four-time Major winner will head to Sydney Airport and a flight to the US for a series of Rory McIlroy Foundation dinners in New York this coming week having ended his year on a disappointing note.
Rory McIlroy wearing red pants on a very rare occasion about to play his second shot into the final green.
It was 12 months ago on the nearby Royal Sydney course where the then World No. 5 ignited the success he has enjoyed this year in capturing two Majors, a first WGC title and the European Tour’s flagship event at Wentworth.
However the Northern Ireland flag failed to reach the top of the mast this week and with McIlroy struggling with most aspects of his game.
Over his four rounds McIlroy record one eagle, 15 birdies but also 14 bogeys, one double bogey and a crippling triple bogey at the ninth hole on day three of the event.
“It was tough, I was going out there trying to get something going but with the pin positions and the wind it was just very hard to get the ball close to the hole,” he said.
“Anything under par today would have been a good score. I just couldn’t get anything going and I hit a few loose shots again.
Rory McIlroy putting out on the final green in the defence of his Australian Open title
“It just wasn’t meant to be this year.”
And did he regret the decision on the ninth hole yesterday?
“Not at all. It’s fine. I was trying to play the shot I wanted to play and I just hit a bad shot. I played nine in level par this week – three birdies and a triple,” he said.
However despite his Sydney disappointment it’s been a remarkable season for McIlroy.
“Yeah, I’m not going to let what happened this week ruin the best year I’ve had,” he said.
And will he return to Sydney in 2015?
“It depends on the schedule and where it’s going to be,” he said.
“I love playing in Australia, I always enjoy my time here and I had a wonderful time here this year … and last year. Hopefully it works again.”
McIlroy and his caddy end the year in Sydney with a disappointing defence of his Australian Open title.
For the time being the 25-year old leaves Sydney knowing he can look forward to a golf bag full of awards in coming weeks.
He’s already captured a second European Tour No. 1 title in three years while being named 2014 PGA of America ‘Player of the Year’. Ahead is the likelihood of Association of Golf Writers ‘Player of the Year’, BBC Sportsperson of the Year and a host of other honours.
