Rory McIlroy frustrated at preparation

In days leading up to the Irish Open Rory McIlroy certainly didn’t have ‘the luck of the Irish’ as McIlory’s clubs never arrived on time, ruining his plans for the pre-tournament warm-up.

McIlroy faces a battle to make the cut after carding a three-over-par opening round of 74 in the Irish Open.

As he evaluated his position at Fota Island, he admitted that the disruptive build-up played a role in his poor start.

“I just need to play better the next few years and get my own plane so that doesn’t happen.” – Rory McIlroy

“Not really being able to do much the Monday, Tuesday, because the clubs didn’t arrive until yesterday was a little bit frustrating,” said McIlroy.

“I would have liked to have hit some balls and done some practice those couple days to prepare, but sometimes that’s just the way it goes.

“I just need to play better the next few years and get my own plane so that doesn’t happen,” he joked.

Rory McIlroy :: to make the cut

The Irishman knows he has to be firing all cylinders today if he is to make the weekend at Fota Island, and says he knows what he needs to improve upon.

“I’ll need something in the mid 60s just to be here for the weekend.” – Rory McIlroy

“I was very sloppy with the scoring clubs, wedges, the short game and putting, all that was just a little off.

“I drove the ball beautifully again, putting myself in great positions off the tee and I wasn’t able to capitalise on them or take advantage of those positions. I’ll need something in the mid 60s just to be here for the weekend.”

Rory McIlroy choses Ireland

Just days before teeing it up in Cork the world No. 6 announced his desire to represent Ireland at the 2016 Olympics, and he says the response he’s had has been positive.

“Obviously I’ve had a great reaction. I said yesterday, I just hope people respect and understand the decision. For me it’s just a continuation of what I’ve always done, which is play for Ireland at boys level, at amateur level, and now obviously at the Olympic level.

“I felt like it was a natural thing to do. I feel like I’ve made the right decision for me,” said Rory McIlroy.