McIlroy wants "trophies not golf balls" as he shares mentality after hole-in-one

23 June 2023 , 14:29

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Rory McIlroy is looking to win his first PGA Tour title in 2023 (Image: Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy outlined his winning mentality at this week's Travelers Championship, after landing his first ever PGA Tour hole-in-one at TPC River Highlands.

McIlroy finally ended his wait for an ace on the PGA Tour, after holing out on the par-three eighth at the Connecticut course in Thursday's opening round. Many were shocked to hear that it was the first time McIlroy had carded a hole-in-one in his Tour career.

Despite the landmark moment for the 33-year-old four-time major champion, the Northern Irishman did not want to waste any time on his day one achievement.

Common practice for most golfers is to keep hold of their ace ball, but McIlroy had different ideas. Asked what he did with the ball he used on the 214-yard eighth hole, the Northern Irish star bizarrely responded: "[I] Threw it away."

Whilst it was a surprise to many the response seemingly underlines McIlroy's mentality, as he admitted he eyes his eyes on collecting prizes rather than tokens. He added: "I'm not sentimental. I don't care. I'd rather have trophies than golf balls."

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McIlroy is chasing down his first PGA Tour victory of 2023, having been crowned FedEx Cup champion last campaign. The 34-year-old major winner had arguably his closest call yet, after missing out by a single shot to Wyndham Clark at last week's US Open.

In a frustrating final round, the Northern Irishman was only able to match Clark's level-par round of 70, ensuring it was the American who prevailed to win his first major title. Four days later, McIlroy was back in action in a bid to end his wait for another victory.

Rory McIlroy returned to action at the Travelers Championship (Getty Images)

Less than a week later, in his opening round at the Travelers on Thursday, he posted a solid two-under-par round of 68 which included his ace on the front nine. Of course his highlight was the maiden hole-in-one, and McIlroy was happy to talk through it post-round despite his throw away comment.

Describing the tee shot as his 'best of the day', he said: "As hole in ones go, I've had them in the past where it has been like an okay shot and you get a little lucky. That was the best shot of the day that I hit.

"Obviously a bonus for it to go in the hole, but it was really cool. I played pretty averagely up until that point. Felt like that hole in one got me going a little bit. Birdied the next couple holes after that and sort of got me into the tournament a bit."

Joshua Lees