Rory McIlroy warned rival Jordan Spieth that “self-inflicted pressure” will make it difficult for the American to follow up his blockbuster season this year with an equally successful campaign next year.
World No. 3 McIlroy knows how tough it is to maintain peak form for a sustained spell.
The Northern Irishman won two majors last year and was considered the man to beat this year,only to get derailed by a slowish start to the season at the big tournaments and an ankle injury that kept him out of The Open in July.
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Spieth took over as world No. 1, producing a magnificent season as he captured the US Masters and US Open titles and came perilously close to winning The Open and USPGA Championship.
“It will feel completely different for Jordan” next year, McIlroy told the Daily Telegraph. “If you look at the stats at how those who have had a double-major season have performed the next year ... it’s hard to back up.”
“There’s so much expectation, so much attention and focus, and I think it is more self-inflicted pressure really, as your expectations are so high,” he said.
McIlroy said that 12 months ago he was preparing for this year with high expectations of adding to his tally of four major victories.
“This time last year mine were through the roof coming off a great season, winning those back-to-back majors, and although I started well, I never felt I really got into my stride with the injuries and stuff,” he said.
McIlroy ended the year on a high note, winning the European Tour’s season-ending event in Dubai, where he said he felt he finally got the “speed” back in his swing.
He has vowed to be tournament-ready by the time the Masters comes around in April.
“It just sort of all came together in Dubai and it makes me excited about next year,” McIlroy said. “I’m not saying I was undercooked this year, but I definitely won’t be next year. I’m playing [the Northern Trust Open at] Riviera [California] for the first time and with the WGC Matchplay moving dates, Augusta will be my eighth event.”
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