Runner-up Rory McIlroy not discouraged at WGC-Mexico Championship

MEXICO CITY – Rory McIlroy is 56 under par during his last four starts, all top-5 finishes after his runner-up to Dustin Johnson at the World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship at Club de Golf Chapultepec on Sunday.

Is he worried that none of those four starts have been wins? Nah.

“For sure, it is going to happen,” McIlroy said of the prospect of returning to the winner’s circle and picking up what would be his 14th PGA TOUR victory. “I keep putting myself in this position. I’m playing some of the most consistent golf of my career. I’ve never had four top-5s in a row on the PGA TOUR. I’m right there, right where I need to be.”

McIlroy began the day four behind but closed the gap to two as he went 1 under and Johnson 1 over through the first three holes. Johnson’s 18-foot par putt at the second hole prevented even further damage. McIlroy dropped a shot at the fourth to fall three behind, but was still in it.

Then came an odd sequence of events.

Johnson got relief from the base of a tree at the par-4 fifth hole, where a cart path interfered with his stance. He made par. “That was a good break,” he said.

McIlroy didn’t get relief from the base of a tree at the par-5 sixth after arguing that his stance, too, was hindered by a cart path. He turned his club toe-down and pitched out left-handed. Then, going for the green from 235 yards, hit his third shot in the water. He took a drop and got up and down for bogey. Johnson birdied to build his lead to five with 12 holes remaining.

Game over.

“If he thought that it was reasonable for DJ to take that drop and it wasn’t reasonable for me, then so be it,” McIlroy said of the official. “That’s why we have refs out here. I could see where he was coming from, as well.”

MUST READ: Round 4, WGC-Mexico Championship

Dustin Johnson dominates in Mexico City, earns 20th PGA TOUR victory

What’s more, he added, he wasn’t sure a free drop would’ve even helped all that much what with the trees, and Johnson, in his way. McIlroy’s 16-under total would have been good enough to get into a playoff here last year, and would have won the year before.

If there was a stretch that told the story of this WGC, it was the back nine, when he birdied six of the last eight holes for a 5-under 31 (with a bogey at the last) and gained no ground.

“I felt like I was standing still, making all those birdies and going nowhere,” McIlroy said with a laugh.

Some weeks, he added, the other guy just plays better. Johnson especially played better at the par-5 sixth, going a combined 2 under on the hole as McIlroy went 3 over. Take away that five-shot difference, and they would have tied at the end of regulation. But that kind of thinking, much like second-guessing about the Rules decisions, is what McIlroy calls, “ifs and buts, could’ves, would’ves and should’ves.” He doesn’t go for it.

Silver lining: He led the field in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green, Johnson was second. But the winner also led the field in Strokes Gained: Putting, whereas McIlroy was 16th. Therein was the difference. Johnson was also second in Scrambling for the week. His combination of (usual) power and (surprising) touch looked unbeatable all week but for a few wayward shots. And it was.

“Next start I'm defending at Bay Hill, so there's some good vibes there,” McIlroy said. “My game's been good, it's been really solid. You know, first tournament of the year, Xander goes out and shoots 11 under in the final round and beats us all. At Torrey Pines, Rosy just outplayed everyone else. Last week (at the Genesis Open) I felt like I had a little bit of a chance with those final few holes to go and then again this week. My game's right there, I'm really happy with everything.

“I've just got to stay patient,” he added, “look at the positives and just keep persisting and putting myself in positions, and sooner or later hopefully it will go my way.”