McIlroy won't change his pre-masters schedule despite desperate start to 2013

By BRIAN KEOGH

Published: 17:30 EST, 9 March 2013 | Updated: 17:30 EST, 9 March 2013

Rory McIlroy will not be changing his pre-Masters schedule, despite a desperate start to the year.

The world No 1 will play just the Houston Open before the first major of the season at Augusta in five weeks.

McIlroy has made an awful start to the year, culminating in his walk-off at the Honda Classic, but asked if he would play this week’s Tampa Bay Championship, he said: ‘No. I’m happy with the schedule I’ve set out. It’s fine.’

Desperate: World No 1 Rory McIlroy will not change his schedule despite a poor start to the year

McIlroy was talking after his first sub-par round of 2013, a three-under 69 on day two of the WGC Cadillac Championship at Doral in Florida.

‘That was nice — it was the first red number I’ve shot all year,’ he said.

‘You go through these periods when you have a tough time and things don’t click right away.’

The concern is that McIlroy, who denies his troubles have been caused by a change of clubs, will be undercooked when he bids to add a Green Jacket to his two other major triumphs.

Tooth Ache: McIlroy walks off at the Honda Classic

This year, he has missed the cut in Abu Dhabi, exited the World Matchplay in the first round and walked off during his second round at the Honda Classic, citing toothache.

But he is confident his game will click and said his coach, Michael Bannon, would not be back in the United States until the Houston Open in three weeks.

Tiger Woods, who leads at halfway at Doral after partnering McIlroy in the first two rounds, thinks there’s no need for the Northern Irishman  to panic.

He said: ‘From what I can see, it is improving. He’s still got a lot of time  until Augusta.’