The last time we saw Rory McIlroy, he holed a spectacular bunker shot on the 18th at Augusta National on Sunday, finishing with an eight-under par 64 that earned him the runner-up spot at the Masters behind Green Jacket-wearing Scottie Scheffler.
McIlroy returns to action at this week’s Wells Fargo as the defending champion with one caveat — he won last year at Quail Hollow outside Charlotte. With the President’s Cup at Quail in September, TPC Potomac at Avenal landed as the host course for this week’s stop on the PGA Tour, two weeks before the season’s second major. Regardless of the venue change, McIlroy is still the odds-on favorite to win this week — ranked seventh in the world, he’s the only top 10 guy in the field — same as Rahm last week.
Unlike Rahm, McIlroy at least has some name competition — Tyrrell Hattom (No. 20), Matt Fitzpatrick (25th), Corey Conners (31), Marc Leishman (46) and Sergio Garcia (47). Abraham Ancer (No. 20) was in last week’s field but was no factor. He’s playing this week.
McIlroy turns 33 today — he’s in the prime of his career. He signed a $100 million deal with TaylorMade in 2017 and just signed an extension that may be just as, or even more lucrative.
With his victory last fall in the CJ Cup, McIlroy now has 20 PGA Tour wins, making him a lifetime member. He has four major championships but hasn’t bagged one since the 2014 PGA and he’s one Masters victory short of the Career Grand Slam. But this week, if he follows Rahm’s lead from the Mexico Open, Rory should get his first win of 2022.
But can he?
With McIlroy, you keep hearing the broadcasters say: “When he has his “A” game — he’s the best player on the PGA Tour.” Problem is that we don’t see that “A” game often as we should.
Rory’s a factor at Quail Hollow but will he have that “A” game this week at TPC Potomac? Rory goes out early Thursday morning, 7:35 a.m. off the 10th tee with Webb Simpson and Francesco Molinari.
Wells Fargo Tee Times, Pairings:
Television Schedule:
Thursday-Friday: Golf Channel 2-6 p.m. (EDT)
Saturday-Sunday: Golf Channel 1-3 p.m. (EDT); CBS 3-6 p.m. (EDT)
Bryson On The Mend:
Bryson DeChambeau is recovering rapidly from surgery on the hamet bone in his left hand.
DeChambeau had the stitches taken out last Thursday and he was cleared to start some light chipping work last Saturday.
Bryson posted pictures of his incision and has documented his progress on his Twitter feed.
When will The Mad Scientist return to action? Odds are good he’ll be in the field for the U.S. Open at The Country Club next month, if not sooner.
3 Comments
baxter cepeda
He can but Rory has had one too-little-too-late “A game” round in as long as I can remember. Nothing nearly like Rahm last week, who was a great pick over the weak field because he produces world class golf consistently.
I would go back and look for guys whom have done well (if they are playing this week) like Sabbatini, Scott, Howell and of course molinari who dominated at this track. The other half of Mollywood is getting some play as well, fleetwood.
I predict a euro wins this week, just not sure I can pick Rory. As you love to say, Rory let’s you down, and I’ve put myself in that position a few too many times recently.
Tom Edrington
I’ll take a non-Euro winner, Corey Conners is a threat!
baxter cepeda
Definitely eyeing conners also.
I almost said a euro or a Canadian.
Tripp picked him.
My trepidation Corey feels like a tony or Xander, you know, bridesmaid specialist.