WBC Match Play: Rory McIlroy out to show his selfish side in match play format

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, reacts after making a bogey on the 18th green during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament in Orlando. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

McIlroy returned to second in the world rankings by finishing tied for fourth in the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Sunday, his third top-seven finish from three events in an injury-affected season.

The four-time major winner would like nothing more than to regain the trophy he won in 2015 in his final competitive outing before next month’s Masters, where he will attempt to join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods in completing the career grand slam.

Asked what makes him a good match play competitor, McIlroy said: “I think a ruthless streak... selfishness, in a way.

Matthew Fitzpatrick, of England, tees off on the first hole during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament in Orlando. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

“And pride. I’m too proud to be beaten. I won’t let anyone get up on me. I sort of think too much of myself to let anyone do that to me. So that’s why I’ve always enjoyed match play because if you do get yourself into a bit of a dogfight out there, it’s something I’ve always quite enjoyed.

“Hitting every fairway, hitting every green and being really consistent. That’s one way to play match play. But then the other way is you can be a bit erratic, but if your short game is saving you, and you’re holing putts, that can frustrate your opponent as well.”

McIlroy has been drawn to face the man he beat in the 2015 final, American Gary Woodland, as well as Emiliano Grillo and Soren Kjeldsen in the group stages, which begin today at Austin Country Club.

Masters champion Danny Willett – a semi-finalist two years ago – is in with Russell Knox, Bill Haas and KT Kim. Fellow Sheffielder Matt Fitzpatrick is in a group with Justin Thomas, Kevin Na and Chris Wood.