Rory McIlroy needs to get his putting in order.
That was the takeaway from his PGA Tour debut last week at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
McIlroy shot 68-74-72 and missed the cut after 54 holes.
His putting problems were on display during his second round 74 at Monterey Peninsula Golf Club when he took 38 strokes on the greens, including a four-putt from 12 feet at the par four fifth that sent his round crashing. For the week, he made 10 bogeys and the main culprit was hit putter.
McIlroy’s putting is the biggest question mark in his game, the part of his game that has everyone wondering when he’ll find himself in contention again.
Perhaps he’ll have some motivation this week when he’s paired the first two days at Riviera with Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas.
Right now, putting is probably the best part of Woods’ game. It certainly isn’t his ball-striking.
McIlroy isn’t the only star this week with question marks surrounding the old flat-stick.
Jordan Spieth is still missing putts — a lot of them.
He’s not panicking. Spieth’s season is off to a slow start after he revealed that he was battling mononucleosis late last year and that set back his preparation for this season.
Spieth tied for 20th as defending champion at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am last week and once again, it was his putter that let him down.
Time is on his side, he’s got The Masters on his mind.
Same for McIlroy.
