Rory McIlroy harm ‘higher’ at Tour Championship, Ryder Cup prep revealed

ATLANTA — Other than Viktor Hovland blistering the sphere at East Lake, Rory McIlroy’s again harm was the most important storyline to emerge from the sweltering Georgia warmth.

McIlroy struggled to realize momentum over the primary three rounds on the Tour Championship, primarily due to his again, however he carded a 5-under 65 Sunday to complete in solo fourth.

After his spherical, McIlroy spoke with the media.

“I’m excited that I’m feeling higher,” McIlroy mentioned. “I hung in there [over] the primary couple of days after I actually wasn’t feeling nice. Then I felt I may really tee the motive force up a bit at the moment and hit a few tee photographs within the air. Felt like I may cowl the ball extra with my irons.”

Photograph by Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR by way of Getty Photos

McIlroy couldn’t even swing a membership on Wednesday, as the primary photographs he hit in Atlanta had been on the apply vary Thursday morning. He hit solely 20 wedge photographs earlier than the opening spherical.

However now, the Northern Irishman is feeling higher and searching forward. He’ll relaxation and proceed to do rehab workout routines on his again earlier than choosing up the golf equipment subsequent weekend.

McIlroy will then head residence to the Emerald Isle for the Irish Open in two weeks, which shall be held on the historic Okay Membership in County Kildaire.

He’ll play on the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in England the next week. From there, he’ll head to Italy for the Ryder Cup.

Photograph by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Photos

“I feel we’re all excited,” McIlroy mentioned of the bi-annual competitors.

“A number of us had been on that workforce at Whistling Straights [in 2021], and that didn’t really feel very good, didn’t really feel good. However I’m excited to get again over to Europe. We’re all making our manner over to Europe a few weeks early. So it will likely be good to all get collectively, and have some early workforce dinners earlier than the week in Rome, and I really feel like that workforce chemistry is beginning already.”

Fortunately for McIlroy, his again will doubtless be okay when the Europeans convene for these pre-Ryder Cup meals.

Plus, Group Europe has revenge on their minds. They hope to defend their residence turf as soon as once more too. The People haven’t gained the Ryder Cup on European soil since 1993.

“Everybody is aware of the Ryder Cup is such a unique deal,” McIlroy added. “[The back] is a lot better… and we’re all excited.”

Jack Milko is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By way of. You possibly can observe him on Twitter @jack_milko for extra golf protection. Remember to take a look at @_PlayingThrough too.