Rory likes to prove people wrong

August 8, 2013 In the past one week, defending champion Rory McIlroy has been watching highlights of some of his best performances in an attempt to break his winless streak at this week’s US PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club.

“I’m feeling good,” said the World Number Three. “I’ve been watching a few videos of last year at Kiawah and watching some videos of some of my best weeks that I’ve played, and it has lifted me a little bit. I’ve taken some good things away from that.” He adds.

Rory has not tasted victory in 2013, but playing re-runs of when he has been at his imperious best – including winning this title at Kiawah Island by a record eight shots last year – could help turn his season around.

[highlight] I loved sitting up here last year on the Sunday night and I’d proved a lot of people wrong [/highlight]

“I think everyone sees when I walk and I’m playing well, I have that little bounce in my step, so I’m just trying to get that going again and trying to get that positive energy back.”

It was almost this time last year McIlroy had won once (on the US PGA Tour) and was answering similar questions about a slump in form, but a swashbuckling victory – his second Major title – sent him on his way to three more triumphs, including the season-ending DP World Tour Championship.

He topped The Race to Dubai and the US PGA Tour Money List, emulating the achievement of Luke Donald in 2011.

“I love proving people wrong,” said the 24 year old. “I loved sitting up here last year on the Sunday night and I’d proved a lot of people wrong. I guess I’ve learnt to maybe not listen as much or not read as much, just sort of wrap yourself in your own little world or your own little bubble.

McIlroy is keen to work his swings better this time when he walks into the course at Oak Hills. He regrets not playing much in this year beginning.

“I would have definitely played more at the start of this year. That’s one thing I regret – I didn’t play enough at the start of the year. I played Abu Dhabi and took like four weeks off. I needed to get into a run of events, and that’s something I should have done differently. But that’s the only thing.”