- McIlroy gets advice from Harmon
- World number two looks to improve iron play
- Northern Irishman looking to complete full set of Majors in Augusta
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McIlroy bidding to complete full set of Majors: World number two seeks help from Harmon
In a bid to fine-tune his game before his latest attempt at winning The Masters, Rory McIlroy has turned to Butch Harmon, Tiger Woods’ former coach, for advice. Currently ranked as the world number two, McIlroy aims to join an elite group of players who have won all four men’s majors, should he emerge victorious at Augusta next week.
McIlroy’s decision to seek Harmon’s expertise comes amidst a season marked by mixed results, with only one top-20 finish on the PGA Tour so far. The 34-year-old golfer revealed his recent consultation with Harmon during an episode of the I Can Fly podcast, explaining that concerns over his iron play prompted him to seek the seasoned coach’s guidance.
“I went last week to see Butch Harmon for a golf lesson,” McIlroy disclosed. “I’ve seen him over the years, like once every few years. I’ll say, ‘Hey, Butch, can I just come see you and you can take a look and see what you think’.”
Having known Harmon since his teenage years, McIlroy emphasised the trust and rapport he shares with the veteran coach. “If there’s one guy that I want to go and get a second opinion from, it’s him,” he added, highlighting Harmon’s dual role as both a golf coach and a psychologist.
During his pre-tournament news conference ahead of the Texas Open, McIlroy elaborated on his visit with Harmon, describing it as a four-hour session in Las Vegas. He noted that Harmon’s insights resonated with him, suggesting a positive impact on his approach to the game.
McIlroy’s long-standing coach, Michael Bannon, remains a key figure in his development, but the Northern Irishman has also sought guidance from other coaches like Pete Cowen in the past. McIlroy’s decision to consult Harmon underscores his commitment to continual improvement and his willingness to explore different perspectives.
Harmon’s coaching pedigree, which includes major triumphs with players like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, and Greg Norman, lends credibility to McIlroy’s decision to seek his guidance. As McIlroy embarks on his quest for the career Grand Slam at Augusta, his collaboration with Harmon underscores his determination to overcome any challenges standing in his way.
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McIlroy second favourite for Masters
McIilroy is currently second favourite to win the Masters. At the time of writing he is priced at 12/1 with BetVictor.
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