McIlroy labels putting ´pathetic

Rory McIlroy described his putting as “pathetic” after missing the cut at the US PGA Championship on Friday.

The Northern Irish four-time major champion carded a one-under 69 in his second round, but finishing at three over saw him fall one shot shy of making the weekend.

In the same group, world number one Jason Day was on fire as a 65 saw him surge into contention.

McIlroy, who missed a cut for the second time in three majors, lamented his putting.

“I’m trying to concentrate on myself. I knew Jason was having a good round and putting well and hitting good shots,” he said.

“I was trying to focus on myself and focus on hitting good putts and obviously give myself plenty of chances.

“Tee to green was good, but it was just pathetic when I got onto the green.”

As for his year thus far, which has included one win in 16 events, McIlroy summed it up in a word: “Disappointing.”

McIlroy said his rounds, which featured just four birdies in total, were purely down to his putting.

“My tee to green game, there’s not much wrong with that. It’s pretty solid. Driving the ball well, hitting good iron shots,” he said.

“I think if you had to given anyone else in this field my tee shots this week, they would have been up near the top of the leaderboard.

“It just shows you how bad I was around the greens.”