Rory McIlroy needs something special in Memorial second round

It has only been a few months, but it seems like a long time ago that Rory McIlroy started the 2013 season as the solid No. 1 golfer in the world.

The Northern Ireland native missed the cut at the European Tour’s flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship, last week. On Friday, he’ll be fighting to stay alive at the Memorial Tournament.

McIlroy, who stumbled to an opening-round 78 at Dublin, Ohio’s Muirfield Village, figures he needs to shoot in the mid-60s to reach the weekend.

“I’m pretty frustrated,” he said. “I’m trying not to let it get to me.”

Earlier this year, McIlroy admitted to making a mistake when he withdrew during the second round of the Honda Classic, a misstep that came just after he signed a lucrative deal with Nike. There have also been management issues as he has slipped to a distant No. 2 behind Tiger Woods.

Putting has been a problem, as have shots that tend to miss right.

McIlroy will try to find some quick solutions when he tees off Friday morning with Bubba Watson and Justin Rose.

“A few bad rounds of golf isn’t going to ruin anything,” McIlroy said. “But I’d definitely like to start playing.”

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