Rory McIlroy has shown his fortitude at Wentworth by putting himself in contention for victory again after enduring another cruel chapter in his heartbreaking season last week at the Irish Open
Rory McIlroy insists he has taken the body blows of a brutal season in his stride as he vies to put a summer of hurt behind him at Wentworth on Sunday.
The 35-year-old carded a six-under-par 65 on Saturday to move to 15-under and a share of second place at the BMW PGA Championship, three shots adrift of leader Matteo Manassero. McIlroy has produced a stellar response in Surrey after missing out on victory at the Irish Open last week, when two late final-round bogeys allowed Rasmus Hojgaard to win by a single shot.
The conclusion at Royal County Down continued a cruel season for McIlroy, who has not won since missing out on US Open glory in June after a dramatic collapse at Pinehurst No. 2. The Ulsterman also missed out on an Olympic medal in Paris after coming unstuck on the back nine in the final round.
The world No. 3 prides himself on his fighting spirit, and he says the harsh results of this season have not affected him as much as people might assume. He says he is “due” a victory soon.
“I keep saying some people think I took it harder than I actually did,” McIlroy said after his third round. “I’m playing well. I’m working on my game. I’m going some good practise while I’m here. Trying to stick to what I know, which is going out there and trying to shoot the best scores that I possibly can and see where it leaves me at the end of the week.
“I think it’s been a familiar story with my career. I have setbacks and I usually come back pretty well from them. Some are harder than others, obviously, but I think in this game you have to be resilient.
“You have to understand and recognise that you’re going to lose a lot more than you win, and you have to be okay with that and you have to accept that. I’ve definitely been on that accepting side this year, but it’s good to be back in the mix.
“I haven’t won since may but given myself plenty of chances. I’m due but that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily going to happen. I’ve always liked being in this position, a couple back, trying to get off to a fast start. Hopefully I can do that and put some pressure on early doors.”
McIlroy – who will spend his evening supporting Anthony Joshua in his heavyweight title fight against Daniel Dubois from the front row at Wembley Stadium – has fond memories of coming from behind at Wentworth, overturning a seven-shot deficit in the final round to lift the trophy 10 years ago.
“I don’t have to come from seven back tomorrow, just three,” McIlroy said. “Hopefully see what Matteo is doing as well and hopefully be the in final group with them. It’s still a tough task, especially with how good he’s playing. But if I get off to a fast start, it’s game on.”
