McIlroy must overcome Sunday jitters to start winning again, says McGinley
The Northern Irishman is winless since the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March 2018 heading into The Players Championship
PAUL MCGINLEY has warned Rory McIlroy he has to overcome the Sunday jitters if he wants to get back to winning ways.
McIlroy is winless since the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March 2018 heading into The Players Championship.
He was in contention at the same event last week heading into the final round, but a disappointing closing level-par 72 saw him finish sixth.
The Northern Irishman, 29, has finished in the top six in each tournament in 2019 — but has failed to get over the line despite being in the final Sunday pairing nine times.
And the former Ryder Cup captain wants to see McIlroy with a ‘chip on his shoulder’ at TPC Sawgrass to turn the tide.
McGinley said: “One of the things that’s been great to watch with Rory over the years is the fact that when he gets hot he gets really hot and he generally wins. That hasn’t been the trend the last couple of years.
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“He’s become a little bit more consistent, we all know how talented he is, but golf is about winning and there’s no doubt he’s got an issue on a Sunday and it’s growing.
“A lot of people are questioning why he’s not getting it done on Sunday. Is it a question of guile? No. He’s won big tournaments in the past, but he’s lost his confidence when it comes down to the last day.
“I always believe Rory plays his best when he’s got a little bit of a chip on his shoulder. That’s what I would like to see Rory coming back with on a Sunday, ‘Get out of my way, here I come’.
“I think Rory’s better when he’s got an edge about him, something to prove.”