Rory McIlroy: ‘Nobody is entitled to anything in golf. You have to earn it’

Rory McIlroy, the Northern Irish golf star, is ready to move past his recent disappointment at Pinehurst and is optimistic about his chances at the upcoming Open. Following his heartbreaking finish at the US Open, where he bogeyed three of the last four holes and lost to Bryson DeChambeau, McIlroy received supportive messages from sports legends Rafa Nadal and Michael Jordan. Jordan, who texted McIlroy shortly after his missed putt, reminded him of his own missed game-winning shots and encouraged him to persevere.

Reflecting on the US Open, McIlroy acknowledges the pain but emphasizes his quick recovery. “It hurt and in the moment it was tough,” he says, “but I got over it and moved on faster than people might expect.” He reviewed the tournament footage, learning from both the positive and negative moments. Despite widespread speculation and advice from commentators, McIlroy trusts his inner circle and avoids external noise.

In the highly competitive world of golf, McIlroy notes that even the best players lose more often than they win. “You have to be an eternal optimist,” he says, pointing out that winning just a few events each year can still mark a golfer as one of the greats. For McIlroy, each tournament is a chance to improve and move forward.

Analyzing his performance at Pinehurst, McIlroy identified an over-awareness of his competition and a lapse in his pre-shot routine as key issues. Working with his mental coach Bob Rotella, he’s made adjustments to streamline his routine and stay focused. McIlroy recalls a productive discussion with Rotella in Manhattan, where they reviewed Pinehurst and identified areas for improvement.

McIlroy compares recent close calls in majors, highlighting the 2022 Open Championship at St Andrews as particularly painful. “St Andrews hurt way more than this one,” he admits, recalling the emotional impact of losing a three-shot lead. However, he remains upbeat about his game and his prospects at Royal Troon.

Despite the challenges, McIlroy finds motivation in his strong performances. He prefers to lose while actively trying to win rather than playing it safe. Reflecting on his previous experience at Royal Troon, he notes the ongoing issue of inadequate blood testing in golf but remains focused on his game.

McIlroy’s candidness about past mistakes, such as his initial decision to skip the Olympics, showcases his growth. Competing for Ireland in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, he rediscovered his pride in representing his country and looks forward to the Paris Games. While he’s unsure how an Olympic medal would impact his legacy, he values the personal achievement it represents.

Pinehurst has prompted a shift in McIlroy’s mindset. After major near-misses, he now feels he deserves success, though he’s wary of entitlement. “You have to earn everything,” he asserts, confident in his ability to do so.

As McIlroy prepares for the Open, he carries the support of fans and a renewed determination to triumph. His journey through setbacks has only strengthened his resolve and popularity, making his potential victory even more anticipated.