"Rory McIlroy Admits Struggling with Motivation after Missing Masters, now Targets Home Tournament at Royal Portrush"
Lost in Victory's Glare: Rory McIlroy's Post-Grand Slam Struggles
Rory McIlroy, the four-time Major winner, has been candid about his struggles to keep the fire burning post-his career Grand Slam triumph at The Masters. Officially, this was over two months ago, but his performance at the US Open indicated he was still estranged from his usual self. He even hinted at wanting a quick exit from Oakmont.
In the end, McIlroy delivered his best round of the week, a 3-under 67, ending on 7 over for the tournament. With one more commitment, the Travelers Championship, before the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Portrush, he's looking to regroup and refocus.
McIlroy alluded to unfinished business at the venerated course after narrowly missing the cut in the 2019 Open due to a disastrous opening round of 79. On returning, he said, "I need to get myself in the right frame of mind to approach that."
With the Open taking place in his native Northern Ireland, the pressure is palpable, and McIlroy is ready to embrace it. Announcing his anticipation, he said, "I hope I can celebrate with them on Sunday night with the Claret Jug and the Green Jacket."
As the hometown hero, McIlroy's looking forward to relishing the atmosphere and meeting up with old acquaintances. He also shared his eagerness to put an end to the troubles that have been plaguing his game, "I just need to get myself in the right frame of mind."
The Open might just be what McIlroy needs to kickstart his comeback. He admitted that if anything can shake him out of his rut, it's this Major in his homeland. "If I can't get motivated for an Open Championship at home, then I don't know what can motivate me," he confessed.
While McIlroy is hopeful that the Open will reignite him mentally, he's satisfied with the trajectory of his game, particularly his driving. "I've driven the ball well all week," he stated. With renewed confidence in his swing and the driver, he's optimistic about his performance in the upcoming weeks.
As he prepares to face the challenge at Royal Portrush, McIlroy remains adamant that this event could provide the spark he needs to get back on track. "An Open at Portrush is certainly one of those," he declared, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
Inciting his motivation, Rory McIlroy plans to partake in a round of golf at Royal Portrush, hoping the Open Championship in his homeland could rejuvenate his struggling game. As he forges ahead with the Travelers Championship, McIlroy eagerly anticipates the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Portrush, seeking a much-needed comeback on the sports field.
