After scoring 4-1-0 at Marco Simone for the 44th edition of Ryder Cup, Rory McIlroy had not played a single golf event either on the PGA Tour or at the DP World Tour. However, the 4x major champion is now teeing it up in Dubai, Earth Course, for the final championship.

Despite playing fewer tournaments this year, McIlroy charted the Race to Dubai Ranking and won it as well. Now, after three rounds in Dubai, the Irish golfer shared why his performance wasn’t on par with his previous renditions.

Rory McIlroy talks about having performed mediocre for the first two days

Rory McIlroy is now playing at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. This will be his first competitive appearance after the much-heralded Ryder Cup. McIlroy had been busy with extending his business portfolio and then with the PGA Tour Player Advisory Council (PAC).

However, the 24-time PGA Tour winner resigned from his Player Director position, citing professional and personal commitment. The sudden exit of McIlroy shocked the golf world, yet it was understood that the golfer had a lot on his plate.

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Now, after playing three rounds in Dubai, McIlroy stands tied at 17. The first two rounds were not as impeccable as people expected. So, subsequently, McIlroy was asked if getting a hiatus away from golf affected his game. The Irish golfer said, “Yeah, I think so. I haven’t done much at all after the Ryder Cup. You know, tried to putt in a little bit of practice over the last couple of weeks.”

Moreover, McIlroy shared that a couple of weeks back, he had jammed his wrist. That caused a hindrance while he played. The golfer added that he “came in not as prepared as I could have been or should have been”, but that he is “starting to find my feet a little bit after a few days.” McIlroy ended his round three by carding an eagle and scoring 65 under 7. For the upcoming final round, McIlroy will look at finishing with better than the first two days.

McIlroy on his resignation from PAC

The resignation was shocking to the golf world as McIlroy has been an avid supporter of the PGA Tour and wanted to be a part of it throughout. However, while talking to Sky Sports, McIlroy shared his rationale behind the decision. He said, “Something had to give.” McIlroy shared that he could not juggle being the best at everything.

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Moreover, with spending quality time with his family and growing his various businesses, McIlroy could not pay as much attention to the Policy Board as he would have wanted to. His decision was backed by Shane Lowry and Paul McGinley, as they found it good for his game.

With the upcoming deadline for the LIV Golf, PGA Tour, and DP World Tour merger, McIlroy backing down made sense. The infamous merger may change the structure of the game, which might not be agreeable to the Irishman. Whatever the reason might be, McIlroy will now be playing more for the next season.

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