McIlroy regrets decision to withdraw from Honda Classic

Wednesday, 6 March 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Rory McIlroy has admitted he was wrong to withdraw from the Honda Classic last week, saying he now regretted his decision to stop playing.

The world number one was heavily criticised after he quit the tournament midway through Friday’s second round with what was initially a mysterious explanation.

The Northern Irishman was playing badly and appeared certain to miss the cut when he shook hands with his playing partners after just eight holes. Before leaving the course, McIlroy told reporters he was in a “Bad place mentally.”

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks away from the 2nd hole during the first round of play in the Honda Classic PGA golf tournament in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida – REUTERS

Shortly after he issued a statement blaming his early exit on a severe toothache while apologising for quitting, but now admits he should have kept playing.

“It was a reactive decision,” he told Sports Illustrated about quitting after he hit his approach shot into the water on the par-five 18th, his ninth hole of the day.

“What I should have done is take my drop, chip it on, try to make a five and play my hardest on the back nine, even if I shot 85.

“What I did was not good for the tournament, not good for the kids and the fans out there watching me it was not the right thing to do.”

McIlroy has been struggling all year after switching clubs but reaffirmed his belief that his equipment was not to blame.

The 23-year-old said he needed to adopt a tougher approach and would do well to copy Tiger Woods, the man he is most often compared to.

“He might be the best athlete ever, in terms of his ability to grind it out,” McIlroy said. “I could have a bit more of that, if I’m honest.”