Rory McIlroy Admits ‘Reactive Decision’ Was Wrong

Rory McIlroy has admitted he was wrong to withdraw from the Honda Classic, telling US magazine Sports Illustrated that “it was a reactive decision” and he now regrets that he stopped playing.

The Northern Irishman walked off the course halfway through his second round and orignally told reporters as he left the course that he was in a “bad state mentally”, before later putting his withdrawal down to severe toothache that had been affecting his concentration.

“What I did was not good for the tournament, not good for the kids and the fans who were out there watching me. It was not the right thing to do,” said the world number one.

“What I did was not good for the fans who were out there watching me. What I should have done is take my drop, chip it on, try to make a five and play my hardest on the back nine, even if I shot 85.” 

McIlroy went on to reiterate his new Nike clubs were not to blame and that he needed to be more like Tiger Woods in that “he might be the best athlete ever, in terms of his ability to grind it out. I could have a bit more of that, if I’m honest.”

The 23-year-old will return to action at the WGC Cadillac event at Doral this week.

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