• European Tour

McIlroy not panicking about poor start to the year

ESPN staff
January 18, 2013
Rory McIlroy has had a slow start to 2013 © Getty Images
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Rory McIlroy refused to blame his new Nike clubs after missing the cut at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship but admitted he did need to find the right driver.

After two rounds of 75, leaving him six-over par, the Northern Irishman said that all aspects of his game were off colour and that he would be heading back to the driving range to iron out the problems.

But there was no hint of panic from the 23-year-old, despite hitting five bogeys in his second round.

"All aspects of my game were off," McIlroy told Sky Sports. "I did not drive the ball well. My iron play was not near the standard it usually is. I am struggling with my swing a bit, I am spinning off it and it's coming out of the heel.

"I just need to put in some work on the range. It is the first week [using new clubs], I would not look too much into that. It is more the Indian than the arrow. A few hours on the range [on Saturday] and Sunday and a bit of work will clear a few things up."

McIlroy hit back-to-back birdies at the eighth and ninth to help him to one-over but a poor back nine by his standards saw him slip to three-over for the round. Last year's US PGA Championship winner remained upbeat about his short game, localising his problems to the tee-off.

"I have got to work on few things," he added. "I am happy with the irons, the ball, wedges. I just need to find a driver I am comfortable with. I did not drive the ball at all well and that is a big advantage for me as I do drive the ball well."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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