Rory McIlroy has continued to struggle early in the season after dropping down to the number two ranked golfer in the world, as he fell far behind and barely made the cut at the Shell Houston Open over the weekend, which is one reason why he is planning to stay in the state for the next event at the Texas Open.
According to ESPN.com, McIlroy is taking up another tournament ahead of the Masters after having some early year issues with his play, changing his mind from last week when he said the Houston event would be his last before the major. McIlroy made a very publicized switch to Nike clubs and has struggled while playing just 10 full rounds on tour.
McIlroy previously was scheduled to play in the Houston Open and then the Masters, but he now will stay in Texas for another week. This year has been a tough one for McIlroy, as he was eliminated in match play, missed the cut at Abu Dhabi and walked off the course at the Honda Classic after dealing with a toothache. His struggles cost him his number one ranking, which he lost last week to Tiger Woods.
Woods has been playing fantastic this season and has won three times on tour prior to the Masters, the first time he has done that in years. Woods is the favorite for the Masters after winning at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill last week and he has now won six of his past 20 starts. Woods climbed back to the number one ranking in the world after a long hiatus that saw McIlroy and a number of players take over.
Woods was as low at 58th in world and didn't win on tour in two years, but that appears behind him as he has won three times over the past five tournaments, taking the Farmers Insurance Open and WGC-Cadillac Championship before winning his eighth time at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. McIlroy was not at Bay Hill and Woods did not play in Texas, meaning the next time they face off will be at Augusta.
The 23-year-old McIlroy has not been able to play consistent on tour all year and will get one more tuneup before heading to the Masters. He made the cut on Friday after shooting a two-under 70 and will now stick around for the Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio. One drawback for McIlroy will be a busy schedule ahead of the major, but after all his struggles, more competitive rounds are needed.