Rory McIlroy was headed to Augusta National and just the lift he needed with a superb seven-under par 65 on the final day of the Shell Houston Open.
McIlroy ended his round in steady rain right on noon local time holing a 10-foot birdie putt in a bogey-free round on the Golf Club of Houston course in suburban Humble.
It was the double Major winner’s lowest-ever Houston round and two shots better than his opening score on debut in the event in 2009 and also included just 24 putts.
And it could have come at a better time for McIlroy as he again seeks to become the first Emerlad Isle golfer to be fitted with the famed Augusta green jacket.
Rory McIlroy thrilled to be heading to Augusta National following a last round 65 in the Shell Houston Open.
“I could not have asked for more heading into a Major Championship than to shoot a 65,” he said smiling.
“I just didn’t make any ecstatic mistakes today like hitting any balls into the water or miss any short putts, except on 11 and 13 but then I’m not complaining about a 65.
“It was a great way to round off my preparations for Augusta and I had mentioned after Saturday’s round I wanted to shoot something in the 60s and I achieved that.
“I just pieced it all together today but then I’m only the bookies favourite next week, and while they know what they are doing (smiling) that still had Wisconsin winning by a couple of points last night (NCAA Semi-final) and Kentucky got them by one.
“But then usually the bookies are not too far away and I would feel I am one of a handful of guys who will be up there next week, and it was just to see some of the game I know I have coming through today.
And when asked to describe his mood heading back to Augusta where he let slip victory just two years ago McIlroy was more pleased just to get out of the rainy conditions.
“I’m just more ecstatic to get finished but I am confident, I’m positive and happy how this week went even though I didn’t get myself into contention but then I made up for that today with a 65.
“So I could not be a better mood getting on the plane and heading up to Augusta tonight.”
And while McIlroy looks forward to the Masters fellow Irishman Padraig Harrington had been on the practice range early Sunday morning despite missing the halfway cut and also ending a 14-year straight run at Augusta National.
