RORY McILROY must flash his wedge in St Louis this week if he wants to cash in.
Because watching the Northern Irishman swinging his short irons makes you realise what it would be like for a T-Rex to attempt 20 press-ups.
Their arms look singularly ill-designed for the exercise!
Even though McIlroy admits he is struggling with approach shots, he will never have a better chance to prove he is no golfing dinosaur at just 29, by ending his four-year wait for a fifth Major.
Everything about Bellerive this week screams out that it is perfect for McIlroy’s game.
If he had made a pre-tournament checklist of how he would like a course set up, he could pretty much put a tick in every box.
FIVE IN WITH A MAJOR SHOUT
Rory McIlroy
The best mudlark in the game and usually plays well late in the year. Has ideal conditions as he seeks a third victory in his favourite Major – he has also posted two other top three finishes.
Alex Noren
Seventh in the Ryder Cup standings and another good week will clinch a European debut next month. His decision to play more in the States has made him a more complete player.
Bryson Dechambeau
Golf’s mad scientist has been a model of consistency this year. Also has the Ryder Cup as a target – he is currently one spot outside the eight automatic qualifying spots.
Xander Schauffele
Felt the heat of being in the mix at a Major for the first time at Carnoustie and finished in a tie for second. No surprise if the Tour Championship winner went one better.
Beau Hossler
Possibly the best of the long shots. Lost a play-off to Ian Poulter at Houston and was runner-up again at the Travelers before lack of links know-how tripped him up at Carnoustie.
A long, rain-softened course, reminiscent of Congressional — where he romped to his first Major title at the 2011 US Open? Check.
Plenty of right-to-left holes to suit his favoured draw and doglegs, where he can use his awesome power to blast the ball over the corners? Check.
Slow greens, where lag-putting is going to be just as important as hitting it close? Check.
McIlroy’s struggles with his wedges were there for all to see in the final round of last week’s WGC-
Bridgestone Invitational and he was honest enough to admit it is a cause for concern.
He said: “Obviously, last week highlighted some things. And what makes me so good with the driver is sometimes what makes me inconsistent with the wedges.
“My swing’s all about hand speed, body speed and rotation.
“Sometimes you need a lot of separation in your upper and lower body with the driver in your hand, but you don’t need that with a wedge in your hand.
“I had a good chat with Thomas Bjorn about it and he said one of the reasons he is such a good wedge player is the same reason he is not a very good driver of the ball. And it’s the opposite with me.
“So it’s just about trying to find that blend.
“I’ve definitely become a little more rotational in my swing over the past couple of years.
“Some of that is through bad habit and some through injury.
“And I’m trying to get back to the way I was the last time I won a Major in the 2014 USPGA at Valhalla.
“That’s one of the best times I’ve swung the club — really well and really consistently.
“But it’s a process. I’ve gotten into a couple of bad habits and that just makes it a little tougher for me to be consistent with a shorter club in my hand.
“And the feelings that I have now, it’s just hard for me to get into those positions.
“But when I do get into those positions again, it will make me a better wedge player.
“So yeah, last week showed up a few things I need to work on and I’m definitely putting in the work.”
MOST READ IN SPORT
It was only two or three misses that held McIlroy back at Firestone and it is unlikely to be such a big deal this week.
He leads the US Tour in driving distance this year, averaging just under 320 yards — that WILL be a big deal here. And McIlroy pointed out a six iron will stop just as quickly as a wedge on these soft greens, after Tuesday’s thunderstorms dumped more than an inch of rain.
That means they are certain to remain soft for the first 36 holes. And with a good chance of more rain on Saturday, they could stay that way for the whole tournament.
Just the way Rory likes it.