Rory McIlroy issues verdict on TGL rule change
Rory McIlroy has offered his thoughts on how the hammer can be used in TGL after a tripleheader of matches on Presidents Day.
Rory McIlroy says changes to how the hammer can be used in TGL matches are 'really good'.
McIlroy's wait for a maiden victory in the hi-tech league continues after his Boston Common Golf side were beaten 5-4 by The Bay on Monday.
The Northern Irishman's side lost their opening match against Tiger Woods' Jupiter Links and were then beaten by Los Angeles in their second.
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"This is the first day that we've had these new hammer rules," McIlroy said. "And every match was really tight.
"I think it enables a team, if they go down in a match, to come back."
The hammer - a piece of yellow cloth - is a strategic element that allows teams to double the point value of a hole.
At the start of the inaugural season, each match featured a single hammer.
Possession was determined by a pre-match coin toss and the team holding it could use it once in a match.
After its use, the hammer would transfer to the opposing team.
However, this has led to situations where teams 'hoard' the hammer, limiting the opportunity for teams trailing to catch up.
The first three matches in TGL's first season were complete blowouts, with The Bay defeating New York 9-2 in the curtain-raiser followed by Los Angeles' 12-1 thumping of Woods' Jupiter Links.
Atlanta Drive also comfortably beat New York 4-0.
Last night, all three matches were decided by a single point.
"We were 4-3 down going into the last three holes," McIlroy said.
"But we still had two hammers, so it felt like we were almost -- it felt like we were tied, you know, just knowing we had those extra two hammers.
"So I think it's a really good change. You still have to be strategic with them because you don't want to -- The Bay threw their hammers early in the match and didn't have any for the last few holes, and we kept ours a little bit, and that enabled us to keep ourselves in the match."
"I was definitely nervous"
McIlroy's Boston teammate Hideki Matsuyama made his debut in the league.
Last week, the Japanese golfer admitted he hadn't watched too much of TGL.
"I was definitely nervous, a lot more than last week when we were playing the PGA Tour," he said. "But I had a really good experience.
"So, you know, the only good part I played today was the first putt on the first hole. So, hopefully, I can do better next week."
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