“I just find it awkward off the tee” – When Rory McIlroy revealed his unique complaint about the Players Championship 2011

Over the years, Rory McIlroy has managed to cement himself as one of the best golfers of all time. He has won most of the prestigious tournaments, including the Players Championship. However, in his early years, he didn't get along well with TPC Sawgrass, the tournament's venue.

McIlroy failed to make the cut in his first three starts at the Players Championship. After missing the cut in 2009 and 2010, he opted out of the 2011 edition while criticizing the Pete Dye-designed golf course.

McIlroy said he wasn't fond of the golf course, although he praised the Players Championship as the event.

"It's a Pete Dye-designed course and I just find it awkward off the tee," he said, as per Daily Record. "You're hitting across fairways all the time. It creates angles, a bit like WhistlingStraits, as he designed that course as well, where the tee boxes are lining you up in the wrong direction."

"Visually, I also find it very tough off the tee. Dye makes you feel uncomfortable because it looks like you've only got a little bit of air way to hit but actually once you get up there it's a little bit wider."

The Northern Irishman returned to the Players Championship the following year but missed the cut once again. However, from there, he made a resurgence and achieved three back-to-back top-10 finishes. He eventually claimed the prestigious title in 2019, his 10th appearance in the event.

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How has Rory McIlroy performed at the Players Championship over the years?

Rory McIlroy has appeared 15 times at the Players Championship and has missed six cuts so far. In the other nine starts, he has registered six top-25 finishes, including four top-10 finishes. He won the title in 2019 after posting a one-shot victory over Jim Furyk. This year, he tied for 19th after finishing at 9-under for the four rounds.

Here's a look at Rory McIlroy's performance this season:

• 2009: CUT (74, 77)
• 2010: CUT (73, 72)
• 2012: CUT (72, 76)
• 2013: T8 (66, 72, 73, 70)
• 2014: T6 (70, 74, 69, 66)
• 2015: T8 (69, 71, 70, 70)
• 2016: T12 (72, 64, 75, 70)
• 2017: T35 (73, 71, 71, 75)
• 2018: CUT (71, 74)
• 2019: 1 (67, 65, 70, 70)
• 2020: CNL
• 2021: CUT (79, 75)
• 2022: T33 (73, 73, 73, 66)
• 2023: CUT (76, 73)
• 2024: T19 (65, 73, 69, 72)