He certainly doesn’t doubt himself.
Rory McIlroy says his determination to become one of the greatest golfers of all time remains as strong as ever after Jason Day raised question marks over his desire.
Ahead of this week’s Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the Australian said four-time Major winner McIlroy possesses all the tools to dominate the sport in a manner similar to Tiger Woods in the late 1990s and early 2000s but raised doubt over ‘how much he wants it.’
“He’s not afraid, which is how champions think. I think the biggest thing for Rory is the desire part, how much do you really want it, because he has the tools to be kind of Tiger-esque,” said Day, who is fresh off his first PGA Tour win in 20 months at the Farmers Insurance Open.
Adam Scott ✅
Jordan Spieth ✅
Dustin Johnson ✅
Jason Day ✅
Phil Mickelson ✅
Rory McIlroy ✅Can't wait ❗️
Inside the Field for @attproam: https://t.co/lXsZPpAYWZ pic.twitter.com/VfhFKxojtZ
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 6, 2018
However, when Day’s comment about McIlroy’s desire was put to the Holywood man during his pre-tournament press conference, the 28-year-old responded brushed off any suggestions that his enthusiasm has been dimmed by a winless 2017 during which his progress was hampered by injury and inconsistency.
“I was just sort of ready to call it quits for the year after the Dunhill,” said McIlroy, who has marked his return to competitive action with third and second place finishes at the Abu Dhabi Championship and Dubai Desert Classic respectively.
“But with how I was sort of dejected and wanting to get away from it I was then, to how rejuvenated and optimistic I am now, it feels a lot different that way.
“I certainly want it. There’s no doubt about that. I want to be one of the best players to ever have played the game when I decide to call it a day. So, the desire is definitely there. Look, like everyone sitting up here in front of you guys that plays the PGA Tour has a very comfortable life, so that’s not an excuse in any way. That’s not the reason that I’m out here to play, I’ve got everything I need. It’s just about gathering trophies and trying to be the best golfer that I can be.”
McIlroy is competing in the pro-am event with his father Gerry and will have four-time Pebble Beach winner Phil Mickelson for company over the next three days at Spyglass Hill, Monterey Peninsula Country Club and Pebble Beach.
McIlroy is part of a six-strong Irish contingent in California this week, with Shane Lowry, Seamus Power, Graeme McDowell, Padraig Harrington and sponsor’s invite Paul Dunne also teeing it up.
First hole on TOUR this season. First birdie of the season for @McIlroyRory. 👍#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/VSNerxedh9
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 8, 2018
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