Rory McIlroy walks off course at Honda Classic
By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer March 1, 2013 9:35AM
Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, watches his tee shot on the 10th hole during the first round of the Honda Classic golf tournament, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Updated: March 1, 2013 9:36AM
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Rory McIlroy’s rough start to the year has taken a bad turn. He withdrew from the Honda Classic on Friday without finishing nine holes.
McIlroy already was 7-over for eight holes at PGA National and certain to miss another cut. He hit his second shot into the water on the par-5 18th and was done for the week. He told reporters as he walked to the parking lot that he was not in a good place mentally.
McIlroy, who signed a new equipment deal with Nike, began the year by missing the cut at Abu Dhabi. After a four-week break, he lost in the opening round of the Match Play Championship, and then made only two birdies in the 27 holes he played in the Honda Classic.
