AUSTIN, TEXAS … World No. 3 Rory McIlroy admitted straight after defeating Open Champion Zach Johnson on day four of the WGC – Dell Match-Play that he’s at his dangerous when he gets down on himself.
McIlroy collected an 11th straight match-play victory with a 1up success over the also previously unbeaten Johnson who had never been past the 16th hole in this year’s event on the Austin Country Club course.
“Mentally I if I do get down on myself at any time in my matches that’s when I am I play my best golf,” said McIlroy and also this week’s defending champion.
Rory McIlroy on route to victory today over reigning Open Champion Zach Johnson. (Photo – Sky Sports)
“It’s when I’m at my dangerous.
“I had breakfast with Jordan (Spieth) this morning and said to him that I just need to get down on myself and I’m good (laughing)
“Of course, it would be nice to win these matches a bit easier but I am getting by and I am getting through and that’s the most important thing in match-play.”
And prior to heading into his quarter-final match against American Chris Kirk McIlroy was quizzed if he thought his Masters preparations were on track.
“My preparations for the Masters are the same as at the start of the week because I know my game was there and I knew coming into this week I would be tough to beat as my match-play record has been good the last few years and I feel as though I know the game quite well and I know what I need to do,” he said.
“So I am happy with how I am playing.
And beating Zach was a great lift in confidence as once we got to the 16th I thought about that stat as he hasn’t played 18 holes in any of the round robins and he’s probably just had one look at the course on Monday.
“Obviously, I had played all 18 holes every day so that was a little bonus, if you like, to have up my sleeve.”
