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EMOTIONAL DAMAGE

Document Cited in Related
Vincent
Published date07 April 2024
Publication titleDaily Star (England)
The world No.2 has gone nearly 10 years without winning a Major and had only one top-20 finish on the PGA Tour this season before this week's Texas Valero Open

So the Ulsterman went for a four-hour lesson with Tiger Woods' former swing guru in Las Vegas last week.

McIlroy claimed Harmon, 80, is "sort of half golf coach, half psychologist" after his trip.

And the American said they worked on the four-time Major winner's short-iron play - and how to approach his 16th attempt to don a Green Jacket.

"We had a really good session and then we talked about Augusta and then his mindset going in there," said the Sky Sports analyst. "We all know how much he wants it. This is his big chance to complete the career Grand Slam.

"This is the only one missing. He's had his opportunities before and they've slipped away. So I talked to him about how to relax, how to enjoy himself, and how to enjoy the moment.

"I said, 'Just go play golf, shot by shot - you're Rory McIlroy for Christ's sake, one of the best players who's ever played the game.' ".

"And the course was built for him, if you look at the way he drives the golf ball.

"It sounds easy, but he wants it so bad he just puts an excess amount of pressure on himself.

"He has just got to relax and play golf, which is very easy to say because he wants it so bad.

"We want it for him. The fans want it for him. His family wants it for him and that gets in the way of allowing you to be yourself.

"I think if he can just go and be Rory McIlroy, he is going to have a great time and have a great chance on the back nine on Sunday."

McIlroy is second to only Cameron Champ for strokes gained off the tee on the PGA Tour so far this season but ranks 119 for SG approaches to the green.

"At Bay Hill he made 26 birdies and finished...

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