Golf fans react to massive Rory McIlroy news on eve of Masters
Rory McIlroy has reportedly started working with legendary golf swing instructor Butch Harmon on the eve of the 2024 Masters, per a report.
Rory McIlroy has reportedly started working with legendary swing instructor Butch Harmon.
The shock report came from Matt Vincenzi of Golf WRX.
It is not the first time McIlroy has sought Harmon's help.
The Northern Irishman consulted Tiger Woods' former coach during his 2020 slump.
That year, Harmon backed McIlroy to complete the career grand slam but he fell short.
And his major drought has now entered its 10th year.
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The current status of McIlroy's relationship with his long-time coach Michael Bannon is unclear.
Bannon taught McIlroy as a junior and is frequently spotted on the range at Tour events keeping a close eye on the golfer.
McIlroy briefly stopped working with Bannon full-time a few years ago after he called Peter Cowen.
But the duo split in November 2021 after an eight-month stint.
At the time, McIlroy said after a disastrous Ryder Cup: "Yes, Michael and I are back working together.
"I’ve always had a relationship with Pete and I’ll ask for his input if I feel I need it. But now it’s Michael and me.”
Harmon is best known for having been Woods's golf coach from 1993 to 2004.
He was also Phil Mickelson's golf coach from 2007 to 2015.
Harmon currently works with Rickie Fowler, who is also enjoying somewhat of a career resurgence.
Fowler returned to the winner's circle on the PGA Tour last year and was picked for the U.S. Ryder Cup team.
Asked about working with McIlroy in 2021, Harmon told Sky Sports:
“He came to see me because he just wanted to make sure he was on the right track.”
“If you’re trying to explain to him, ‘Look, I’m trying to do this or I’m trying to create that feeling,’ the database of players that he’s worked with over the years, he could say, ‘Well, Freddie Couples felt this, or Tiger did this or DJ felt that. It’s always nice to have that reference.’”
Reacting to the report, one X user wrote: "Fantastic news for Rory fans!"
Another added: "Butch is the GOAT."
McIlroy will attempt to complete the career grand slam next week at the 2024 Masters.
His form so far this year has been mixed. He started out with a bang, winning the Dubai Desert Classic.
Despite making the cut in all five of his PGA Tour starts, McIlroy is yet to register a top-10 finish.
In spite of this, McIlroy finds himself as the bookies' second-favourite to win the coveted green jacket.
The 2022 champion, Scottie Scheffler, is the overwhelming favourite to triumph at Augusta National.
McIlroy will be playing his 14th Masters and this will be his 10th attempt at winning the grand slam.
McIlroy is playing one more PGA Tour event before the Masters.
He is in the field for this week's Valero Texas Open.
McIlroy is scheduled to speak to reporters in a news conference on 3 April.
Hopefully, he will confirm whether reports he is working with Harmon are true.
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