rory mcilroy confident as Genesis Invitational begins at Riviera on Thursday
Rory McIlroy arrives at the Genesis Invitational optimistic about his form and intent on sharpening his game before he returns to Augusta to defend his Masters title in April. The world number two will tee off on Thursday (ET) in a group that includes Tommy Fleetwood and reigning Pebble Beach champion Collin Morikawa.
Upbeat after a mixed Pebble Beach week
McIlroy conceded that his recent start to the season has been about shaking off some early rust, but he said there were enough positives from last week to carry into the Riviera Country Club. He finished tied for 14th at Pebble Beach, five shots behind Morikawa, and closed with an eye-catching 64 on Sunday.
"I'm working through that first bit of the year where I'm trying to shake a bit of rust off, " McIlroy said. "I learnt a lot about my game last week. I played well for a lot of it but made some big numbers which put me out of contention on Sunday. I feel there is enough good in there for me to be encouraged going out there this week. "
He highlighted improvements in ball-striking and putting as reasons for confidence. "I think the fact that I'm hitting a lot of good shots, putting it close and converting a lot of putts, that has to give me confidence not just for this week but going forward, " he added.
Riviera tweak draws criticism
McIlroy practised on the Riviera course on Wednesday (ET) and voiced clear displeasure with a recent alteration to the par-three fourth hole, which has been extended from 237 yards to 273 yards. The change has prompted debate about whether the hole still fits the original design and strategy of the layout.
"I don't think it plays any differently, you're just hitting a slightly longer club - actually I think it's a horrible change, " he said. McIlroy noted that when the hole previously played around 230 yards only a small portion of the field hit the green, and argued that simply moving the tee back without altering the green's surrounds makes the hole more punitive.
"If you want it to be a 275 par-three you have to change the apron leading up on to the green. It can't be kikuyu, it has to be another type of grass that can help you run it on to the green. Because in the right conditions you try to fly it on to the green with a three iron it's going to finish up on the fifth tee box. That's sort of what I mean that it's not a great change. "
Looking ahead: fine-tuning for the season’s big tests
The Genesis Invitational offers McIlroy a chance to test his competitive edge on a different type of layout ahead of the Masters defence in April. He has fond memories of Augusta and has planned a light trip there next week to play a round with his father and the club chairman as part of preparations for defending his Green Jacket.
While his best finish at the Riviera remains a tie for 10th four years ago, McIlroy sees this week as part of a broader build-up. "I'm just sort of working through that first little bit of the year where you're trying to shake a little bit of rust off and you're trying to find your footing a little bit and sort of where your game is, " he said. The Northern Irishman also pointed out that Riviera is a relatively forgiving course compared with some recent venues, and he wants to take advantage of that as he refines his game plans.
With the early season still settling, McIlroy's focus is straightforward: convert the good golf into lower scores, avoid the costly big numbers that derailed his Pebble Beach defence, and use matchups this week to regain momentum heading into April's biggest target.
