Putting woes prove Rory McIlroy’s Miami vice

Rory McIlroy’s new look putting style failed to pay off as he took 33 putts and double bogeyed his final hole in the WGC-Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral last night.

While he had holed little, the world No 3 looked to be cruising to a round in the 60s at the demanding Miami venue until he turned an eagle chance into a three-putt par at his 17th and then splashed down at the ninth for a closing double bogey five and a one-under 71.

As playing partner Jordan Spieth had 29 putts in a 69 and Jason Day had just 30 in a troubled 72, McIlroy ended the day six shots behind clubhouse leader Scott Piercy, who shot a 66 to lead by one from 45-year old Phil Mickelson, the 2009 champion.