Washington--Rory McIlroy, fresh from celebrating his World Golf Championships Match Play triumph -- and his 26th birthday -- is hoping to cure his TPC Sawgrass headache at last.
The world number one has had mixed results in The Players Championship, the US PGA Tour's $10 million flagship event that starts on Thursday in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
He missed the cut in his first three appearances. In 2013 he opened with a 66 en route to a share of eighth place and last year tied for sixth.
He acknowledged that the precision required off the tee at TPC Sawgrass can be frustrating to a player of his aggressive instincts.
"It's always hard for me when I can't get the driver in my hand because I feel like when I do get the driver in my hand I can give myself an advantage over the rest of the field," McIlroy said.
"It's just about being very patient and approaching it a different way, winning a different way. I feel that would make me a more complete player."
The high-profile tournament -- called one of the most important of the year by McIlroy -- will see the Northern Irishman paired on Thursday with Masters champion Jordan Spieth and Australian Jason Day.
The pairing featuring McIlroy and world number two Spieth is sure to fuel the talk of a rivalry between the two -- but McIlroy said he doesn't need that kind of buzz to build his enthusiasm.
AFP
