The last thing Rory McIlroy needs reminding is the infamous ‘Battle at the Alamo’ when competing in next week’s Valero Texas Open.
McIlroy surprised most observers with a last minute decision to compete in San Antonio and the scene of one of the most tragic sagas in the history of the Lone Star State.
It will be the first time McIlroy has competed in the week prior to Masters, and it’s also meant putting on hold a planned two-day UNICEF visit tomorrow and Tuesday to earthquake ravaged Haiti.
However after making the cut in the Shell Houston Open, McIlroy revealed he was prompted by caddy, J P Fitzgerald to tee up in America’s seventh largest city, and this despite Valero Texas Open officials indicating ‘we had been quietly working with Rory and his management team for several weeks’.
Rory McIlroy mobbed by the media after his third round in the Shell Houston Open. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
And when it was suggested did he fear ‘burn out’ by competing in San Antonio, McIlroy responded smiling: “This is only my 13th round this season so I don’t think there’s any worry of me suffering burn out.
“Playing in San Antonio wasn’t something I had thought about but when I finished my round yesterday J P (caddy) suggested why I don’t I play in the tournament.
“So I was thinking of what he said over lunch so I’ve ended up going for it.
“It’s a bitter disappointment I won’t be going to Haiti and I had to make a few tough phone calls last night, obviously.
“But then that was one of the first things I thought I about that if I do play next week, and having to fly eight hours to and from Haiti would not be the best preparation.
“However UNICEF has been great about it and I’m a big supporter of what they do all over the world and hopefully I can make it up to them some way.”
McIlroy delighting young fans by signing autographs after his round. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
McIlroy first went to Haiti in the weeks after his 2011 Masters meltdown and just days before returning to the States and surprise all sceptics in capturing the US Open by eight shots at Congressional.
And while McIlroy’s two closest confidents, his long-time coach, Michael Bannon and short-game guru, Dave Stockton, have ruled out McIlroy’s new Nike clubs as the problem, the recently dethroned World No. 1 clearly is lacking competition sharpness.
His Shell Houston Open third round was again a round of two halves.
McIlroy was four under for his round through 12 holes starting off by holing a 32-foot putt for birdie at the second and then a 24-foot gem for birdie at seven.
However he found a greenside bunker at the 13th but then three-putted for bogey from five feet. McIlroy was then in a bunker off the tee at the 14th in taking bogey and then put his tee shot into the water down the left side of 18.
McIlroy was on the green in four and brought a large Houston crowd to its feet when he holed a 24-foot putt for bogey and a round of 71 to move to two-under par.
“I just feel like I am playing well and I am hitting the ball well, and everything feels good about my game but I do feel like I need more competitive rounds under my belt and getting myself a little sharper,” he said.
“I just feel a little rusty out there at times and the more rounds I play the better it will be for me going into Augusta.”
McIlroy was quizzed what he knew about San Antonio, and America’s seventh most populated city.
“I know they have a great basketball team and there’s also a great water park in the hotel we’re I’m staying,” he said.
However San Antonio is also the home to ‘The Alamo, the Texas army fortress overrun by the overwhelming numbered Mexican Army in 1836 after a 13-day siege.
All those inside the fortress were killed, including a number that had surrendered, and it since prompted the infamous cry: “Remember the Alamo”.
“If I get the time I’d love to go and visit the Alamo,” said McIlroy.
Rory McIlroy delights young scorer after his third round of 71 by signing a golf ball. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
