Despite a tough week at the U.S. Open, it was a positive end to Rory McIlroy’s trip to Oakmont, after the recently-crowned Masters champion carded an impressive three-under-par 67 on Sunday
Rory McIlroy has candidly discussed the challenges of juggling his roles as a top-tier golfer, husband, and father.
After a challenging U.S. Open, McIlroy ended on a high note at Oakmont with an impressive three-under-par 67 on Sunday, bouncing back from visible frustrations the previous day.
McIlroy, who had previously avoided media following the first two rounds, confronted reporters on Saturday after round three, expressing his irritation: ” It’s more a frustration with you guys… I’m just, yeah, I don’t know. I have, I’ve been totally available for the last few years, and I’m not saying — maybe not you guys, but maybe more just the whole thing. I feel like I’ve earned the right to do whatever I want to do, yeah.”
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On Sunday, a calm McIlroy engaged with the press both before and after his round, reflecting on the dual aspects of his life. Post-round, he shared his appreciation for normalcy away from the course: “It’s always nice to get home,” McIlroy said, following his standout 67.
“I feel like I live two different lives. I’m a dad and a husband when I’m away from here, and then I’m who I am when I’m here. It’s always nice to get away and feel a bit of normality.”
The world No. 2, amid speculations, has confirmed his return to the green for the Travelers Championship next week, setting the stage for his much-anticipated comeback to Europe.
McIlroy is slated for a move with his family into their new London digs prior to participating in both the Scottish Open and The Open Championship, the latter poised to unfold in his homeland of Northern Ireland at Royal Portrush.
Expressing his eagerness for the European stretch ahead, McIlroy shared, “I’m looking forward to just getting back to Europe in general. Obviously, I’ve got one more week over here. Play Hartford next week. Yeah, we’ve got a lot to look forward to, got our new house in London, play the Scottish and then obviously The Open at Portrush.”
Royal Portrush holds a coveted spot in Rory’s heart, and he anticipates this special journey as he vies for another major title this season. He reflected on previous experiences, noting: “I feel like playing an Open at Portrush already, and sort of at least remembering what those feelings were like and those feelings that I was probably unprepared for at the time.”
The trip represents more than a tournament; it marks his first public appearance in his native land since winning the Masters, promising to make it an exceptional week.
He remarked, “Yeah, and obviously it will be my first time sort of in public back home after winning the Masters. It should be a really nice week.”
Reflecting on his past emotions during such milestone moments, McIlroy confessed, “I didn’t realize how emotional I was going to be at Portrush. I think that was a thing I was unprepared for more than anything else.
“I remember I hit a shot into 12 or 13 Friday night, obviously trying to make the cut. I remember the roar I got when the ball hit the green, and I felt like I was about to burst into tears. Just that support and that love from your own people. So I was unprepared for that. I need to just get myself in the right frame of mind to feel those feelings again.”
