After a Disastrous Start, Rory McIlroy Takes ‘Pre-Round Shots’ Ahead of Uphill Battle at the Players Championship

Rory McIlroy made a poor start to the Players Championship after shooting a disastrous 76 on the opening day of the tournament. His awful performance was a surprise given his prior credentials in the event. But ahead of an all-important second round, McIlroy shared a picture of him resorting to “pre-round shots” before his tee time.

Rory McIlroy’s special drink before crucial Friday round

The former World No. 1 made a 76 on the first round at the TPC Sawgrass, which is his worst round score since the 2021 Masters Tournament. Despite possessing a good drive, McIlroy couldn’t hit enough fairways, which hampered his chances to stay negative on the scorecard.

Read more: ‘Not Going to Sit Here and Lie’: Rory McIlroy Surprisingly Showers Kind Words Towards LIV Golf, Amidst Court Battle With PGA Tour

The four-time major championship winner ended with double 38s to register a score of four-over par, which put him tied at 118th place. McIlroy needs a resurgent performance to climb back from the shallows, but is he prepared for yet another grueling session of play?

It seems like McIlroy is maintaining harmony with his situation. Merely hours before his tee time, the golfer shared a picture of a crate full of drinks, with “Pre-round shots” mentioned alongside.

But the drinks were actually healthy juices from a brand called ‘Lumi’, which is an organic cold-pressed juice company. If McIlroy’s story is anything to go by, he is trying out the firm’s Beet, Lime, and Jalapeno-mixed flavor.

Rory McIlroy blames driver for his poor performances

McIlroy tried to vindicate his performance at the post-round press conference later. Interestingly, he claimed that a change in his driver was the reason for his downfall in the opening round.

He resorted to a brand-new driver in the Genesis Open in Riviera last month, where finished T29. However, McIlroy revealed that he was forced to make the change because of tour regulations, with his new driver seemingly getting old.

“I went to that new driver in Riviera, and it’s just not … look, I wish I could use my driver from last year but I can’t just because if you use a driver for so long, basically it just wouldn’t pass the test,” he revealed in the press conference.

Watch This Story | Rory McIlroy Joins Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in Golf’s History Books