Rory McIlroy’s major distraction

Perhaps trying to win your fourth tournament in a row on the back of a major win is just too much to ask, even for world No.1 Rory McIlroy.

After a first round three-over-par 74 at The Barclays, New Jersey, The Northern Irishman is cast adrift in 101st place, nine shots behind leader Bo Van Pelt.

The 25-year-old admits he may not have put in the work needed the past week heading into the FedExCup Playoffs opener after winning the PGA Championship.

“I think it’s more to do with just not putting the adequate time into my game over the past week for obvious reasons,” said the four time major champion.

“I wasn’t going to do that, I was enjoying myself.” – Rory McIlroy

“It was inevitable, after such a great few weeks. I wanted to enjoy it for a week.

“I came here Monday morning, hit some balls, practiced pretty well. But I guess taking a week off and sort of getting back into it this week, I probably just needed to give myself a little bit more time. But I wasn’t going to do that, I was enjoying myself.”

If McIlroy can turn it around and win on the PGA Tour this week, he would join an elite group of players including Tiger Woods and Ben Hogan of players to win four or more consecutive tour events.

If he’s to reach those heights, he’ll needs to up his game when he tees off at 6:06pm GMT this evening.

Despite doubling his lifetime major tally, securing his place in the Ryder Cup and rising to world No.1, Rory McIlroy insists he still wants more success this season.

“It’s a career for a lot of people,” said McIlroy of his two major triumphs. “ you know, it’s behind me, it’s gone. I’ve done it and I want to move on.

“I want to achieve more things. I want to be successful from here to the end of the season. So it’s just all about giving yourself new goals and new targets.”