RBC Heritage R1 | X-Man offers take on Rory McIlroy after Masters misery
Xander Schauffele offers his thoughts on Rory McIlroy's Masters after controversial week for the Northern Irishman.
Xander Schauffele doesn't believe Rory McIlroy's walk-and-talk CBS interview during the 87th Masters contributed to the Northern Irishman's poor play.
McIlroy made history by becoming the first player to be interviewed live on the course at major championship.
The 33-year-old endured another forgetful week at Augusta National after missing the cut for the third time in 15 appearances.
McIlroy appeared to believe he had banished his demons at the major. He decided to hot-foot it from Georgia and skip any media interviews.
He later withdrew from this week's RBC Heritage, a decision which has cost him $3m as it was the second designated event of 2023 he has skipped.
"You can't hang the hat on that," Schauffele told the media after opening with a 4-under 67 at Harbour Town Golf Links, which was three strokes back of early leader Viktor Hovland.
Schauffele added:
Schauffele confirmed he would not be taking part in any walk-and-talks, but only because he doesn't want to be distracted during play. "That's pretty much it," he said.
Elsewhere, Rickie Fowler continued his good form after narrowly missing out on a spot at Augusta. Fowler posted the same opening score as Schauffele.
He too was asked about McIlroy's interview. Fowler already took part in one at Bay Hill.
Fowler told the media:
In the morning wave, Joel Dahmen, Scott Stallings, U.S. Ryder Cup skipper Zach Johnson and England's Matt Fitzpatrick all posted rounds of 66 to sit inside the top-10 of this bumper prize purse event where the winner will pick up a cheque for $3.6m.
Jon Rahm - who decided not to do a McIlroy - was out on the course when play had to be suspended on day one due to inclement weather warnings.
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