Atlanta, GA ….
Rory McIlroy has done his maths and whether or not he captures a second FedEx Cup crown in three years he declares it’s more about what he learns in his career ‘journey’.
McIlroy is going to need more than his best in coming from his current 17th place ranking to win for a second time this season.
Rory McIlroy on the East Lake range for a first time in two years. (Photo – @tourmiss)
Two years ago, McIlroy was three shots behind with three holes to play before eagling the 16th and force a play-off with American Ryan Moore and eventually win with a birdie at the fourth extra hole.
McIlroy won both the Tour Championship, that is run concurrent with the FedEx Cup decider, to also deny Dustin Johnson the FedEx Cup crown and in the process the Ulsterman banked $11.5m.
Then last year, McIlroy failed to qualify ending 2017 in 58th on the standings, and so it is no surprise he’s pleased to be back.
“It’s great being back at East Lake after missing the event last year, and not having the chance to defend, so it’s nice to be back and I am happy to be here,” he said.
“I have great memories from not only winning in ’16 as I’ve also had a second, and I just seem to play well on this golf course, so I will be looking to draw on those memories.
“The course is again in pristine condition.”
McIlroy, and like his 29 colleagues this week, is teeing-up following the BMW Championship in Philadelphia and where he saw his chance of a second win this season slip through his fingers in ending fifth.
“I played really well at the BMW but it’s not all about results as it’s about the process and about improving, and it’s about getting better and about learning,” he said.
“The results are a by-product of all that and it was such a positive week in my view, and as long as I take a positive from the event and move on and learn from some of the things in my game that were not as good as I would have wanted them to be.
“So, I learn from the things that were good.
“I will play say 500 golf tournaments in my career, so one golf tournament is not going to make or break one of those 500 or so events.
“It’s all a part of the journey and as long you can just keep trying to improve as that is the goal.
“So, if I win the Tour Championship and don’t win the FedEx Cup I will be very good with and then if I play well this week and end up not winning at all, I will still leave East Lake a very happy guy.
“I didn’t win here in 2014 but I had one of the best years I’ve ever had while you look at Jason Day and he had a great year in 2015 and also didn’t win here.
Rory McIlroy meets some very special Tour Championship visitor. (Photo @tourmiss)
“Then DJ (Dustin Johnson) had a great year in 2016 winning his first Major but I won the FedEx Cup, so it is what it is and it is the nature of the beast and you accept it for what it is and that’s it.
“I played way better this year than last year, so that for me is success and again, it is not all about results.
“With the world we live in now there is such a bias on recency. Like what did you do last week etcetera and that to me is not a good way to lead your life.
“You have to put things into perspective and see the bigger picture some times and that is what I am trying to do.”
McIlroy is among six European Ryder Cup players teeing-up in Atlanta and the six were heading out for a team dinner on the eve of the event.
And McIlroy spoke of his embarrassment, and as pointed out by front-seat passenger, Henrik Stenson in their Ryder Cup wind-up of Captain, Thomas Bjorn in driving straight through a four-way ‘Stop’ sign intersection.
“I didn’t even realise that to I looked back at the video but I have to put my hands up as it was all my doing, and I am expecting to play more than just the Sunday Singles,” said McIlroy smiling.
McIlroy tees-up at 5.40pm (Irish) in the company of defending FedEx Cup and Tour Championship winner, Xander Schauffele.
RORY MCILROY AND HIS FEDEX CUP VICTORY MATHS
To win a second FedEx Cup title in three years here is the scenario facing the 17th ranked Rory McIlroy.
Has to the Tour Championship and for the following to unfold:-
Bryson DeChambeau (Currently 1st on the standings) – Finish T11th or worse in the tournament.
Justin Rose (2nd) – Finish in a three-way tie for fourth or worst
Tony Finau (3rd) – Finish T3rd of worse
Dustin Johnson (4th) – Finish in a three-way tie for second or worse
Justin Thomas (5th) – Finish T2nd or worse
Keegan Bradley (6th) – Finish T2 or worse
