Rory McIlroy Discusses Recent Performance
OAKMONT, Pa. — Since achieving a significant milestone by winning the Masters in April, Rory McIlroy hasn’t seemed quite like his usual self. This victory marked the completion of his career grand slam, something he had pursued for nearly 15 years.
Last month, McIlroy finished in 47th place at the PGA Championship, and, quite surprisingly, he opted not to speak to the media after any of the four rounds.
On Tuesday, McIlroy reflected, saying, “I’m going to have a bit of amnesia and try to forget what happened six weeks ago.”
He added, “From last October to April this year, I worked really hard on my game, and I’m glad to have seen the fruits of that labor. It’s important to enjoy what I’ve achieved so far. I do feel like I’m still capable of it, and I plan to keep moving forward.”
He noted, “I do have to remind myself there’s still more golf to be played this season. Here, at Portrush (British Open), and the Ryder Cup—those are the big events on my calendar for the rest of the year. It’s similar to what I was focused on during those seven months from last October to April.”
McIlroy, who won the US Open in 2011, reflected on missing the cut at the last US Open he played at Oakmont in 2016, saying, “I don’t remember much about 2016. I think I’ve tried to erase it from my mind.”
This particular week marked the start of what has become a challenging path for McIlroy in US Opens.
Subsequent to 2016, he also missed the cut at the 2017 US Open at Erin Hills, a course he has openly criticized. He returned in 2018 at Shinnecock Hills.
He expressed his feelings about missing out on those earlier opportunities: “We missed the US Open in 2016, 2017, and 2018. I enjoyed that course, but Shinnecock was a tough one for me to play.”
McIlroy mentioned his anticipation for the upcoming Hartford event: “I feel really comfortable with the PGA Tour setup. I think that’s when things really clicked for me.”
As he discussed his decision-making, he reflected on the evolution of his game: “We try to build the game around the toughest challenges we face. For the last two years, I’ve been pleased with seeing six top-ten finishes in this tournament.” In fact, he remarked that the US Open has changed for him, saying, “It has likely become my favorite major from what once was my least favorite. I truly enjoy the challenge it presents.”
