Golf’s new $2-million man Rory McIlroy said on Sunday his new management team will help inspire him to more victories.
The world No. 3 was speaking after claiming golf’s richest prize at the Lake Malaren Shanghai Masters on Sunday — his first win under his new management team Horizon.
The 22-year-old suddenly sacked long-term agent Andrew Chubby Chandler nine days ago, having failed to win a tournament since his momentous eight-shot victory in the US Open in June.
“The thing that will help me get over the line more is by putting myself in these positions to win golf tournaments,” he said.
McIlroy said he wants to enter more tournaments to gain experience and hinted his first victory under Dublin-based Horizon augured well for the future.
“I’ve been close in two or three tournaments and had two thirds and two seconds, and was finally able to get myself over the line today … This was the third play-off of my career, and I was able to win this one, so at least my record in these events is getting better,” he joked.
“I am just delighted to get another win,” said the relieved north Ireland star after his dramatic sudden death play off with American Anthony Kim helped him to the $2-million winner’s cheque.
The lucrative win does not improve his world ranking position or boost his Ryder Cup points because the inaugural Shanghai event was unsanctioned.
But McIlroy said victory was important to end his title barren patch.
“This is my fourth win and second of the year and I feel like I could have won more,” he added. “But I am delighted and it gives me great confidence going into next week’s HSBC Shanghai Champions. I want to try and chase a place in the European Tour’s Race to Dubai,” he said. — Sapa