Rory McIlroy reflects on Masters bounce back: I’m as resilient as anyone out here
Although the first day at the Masters did not promise that Rory McIlroy could really be at the top, the impressive performance in the second round showed that Rory belongs to the very top of the golf scene.
Searching for a career Grand Slam, the 35-year-old golfer showed mental strength, returned to the game, and enters the final round two shots behind the leader Justin Rose.
A round of 66 put him in T3, with a great base to make a success on the final day.
In an interview with the media, Rory stressed that he is proud to return to the game, feeling that he was excellent on the first day as well.
"I think, overall, just proud of myself with how I responded today after the finish last night," McIlroy said, as quoted by Sky Sports.
"I just had to remind myself that I played really good golf yesterday.
I wasn't going to let two bad holes sort of dictate the narrative for the rest of the week. But, yeah, ultimately just proud of how I got back into it."
The Northern Irishman admits he was frustrated after the first round, feeling he had played well enough and that his score should have been better.
The popular golfer is aware that focus is the key in the world of golf.
"I was so frustrated last night because I played so well, and you can make these big numbers from absolutely nowhere on this golf course, just like the most benign position," McIlroy said.
"It was a good reminder last night that you just have to have your wits about you on every single golf shot. Then today, when the second shot was in the air, it was a little touch and go."
Conversation with a sports psychologist
The world No. 2 also spoke to a sports psychologist, who advised him not to push too hard too soon. McIlroy believes that patience has ultimately paid off, as he now has a good chance of finishing the story in style.
Ultimately, McIlroy stresses that he doesn't need to prove anything to anyone.
"I don't think I proved anything, if anything I just backed up the belief I have in myself and the belief that I'm as resilient as anyone else out here."
