Rory McIlroy struggled in the opening round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Despite a promising start with a birdie on the second hole, the Northern Irishman ended Thursday tied for 49. Carding one over par, it was very clear that he faced challenges trying to find his rhythm.
This, of course, meant something needed to change. And the World No. 2 understood that too and turned to some intense practice. His main focus was the greens, where he sunk putt after putt, driving fans online wild with each and every one of them!
Rory McIlroy flaunts his commitment to winning
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The PGA Tour took to Instagram just hours ago to post a video of the 24-time PGA Tour winner practicing his putts for “nearly an hour on the greens” following his unfortunate Thursday finish. And Rors was not alone out there. He had help.
Looking to improve his technique and make sure he doesn’t miss anything on the greens, the golf pro seemingly reached out to Brad Faxon to help refine his putting. In the video, the tour veteran turned analyst was guiding the four-time major champion. He explained to him the appropriate pressure that should be applied and the correct shoulder motion to accompany it, and following that, McIlroy holed putt after putt.
Everyone on the ground witnessed the Northern Irishman’s resolve to be better and perhaps make a comeback in the next three rounds. And when the video went viral online, so did all the golf fans sitting at home! And boy, did they shower him with love for it!
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Coincidentally, two weeks ago, McIlroy was the one dishing out putting advice to none other than Scottie Scheffler, who had struggled on the greens at the 2024 Genesis Invitational. When CBS’s Amanda Renner asked him if he had any tips for the World No. 1, the Northern Irishman suggested Scheffler use a mallet putter. And as per fans, the 4-time major winner is now leading by example.
The golf world has nothing but praise for McIlroy’s revival efforts
Rory McIlroy’s hour-long practice session on the greens garnered massive attention online. Fans had lots to say about the golf pro after they witnessed him acknowledge his shortcomings by accepting help and trying to improve.
They too agreed that Brad Faxon was the perfect man for the job. “Picked the right guy to take tips from,” wrote one, showing his support for the analyst/now-trainer. “Greatest putter ever – @bfaxon,” and “Shoutout @bfaxon. What a great putter, great on the broadcast too,” said fans, flaunting their respect for the eight-time PGA Tour winner.
Read More: 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational: Power Rankings, Defending Champion, Prize Money, and Major Details
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McIlroy’s putting prowess on the course also left many in awe. One fan noticed that he had holed all his balls from the greens and mesmerized and stated, “Rory didn’t miss a putt the entire time they had the camera on him and Faxon 🤯” Yet another cheered him on, saying, “Atta Rory, let’s go!
Amidst McIlroy’s praise, however, fans made sure to drag in Scheffler. One asked him to follow in the Northern Irishman’s footsteps and improve on his own recent putting owes. “Scottie take notes,” wrote one. Another fan, on the other hand, found it ironic that McIlroy needed help after just offering advice to Scheffler just days ago. “After this guy criticized Scotty Schefflers putting and putter, haha karma.”
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Regardless of what they had to say, one thing everyone undoubtedly agreed on was that McIlroy’s efforts were more than admirable. However, will they be enough to pull him through to the top in the days that follow? Tune in to find out.