McIlroy confident of handling emotional British Open on home turf
PORTRUSH : Rory McIlroy insists the emotion of his return to Royal Portrush for this week's British Open will not distract him from challenging for the title.
It will be the second time that Northern Ireland's McIlroy has competed in his own country in the British Open after the tournament was staged at Royal Portrush in 2019.
Back then, the world No 2 tried to block out the noise surrounding the event's return after a 68-year absence to the links where he set the course record of 61 as a 16-year-old.
But McIlroy struggled to handle the passionate support he received from local fans as he missed the cut by a stroke.
'I think I remember the ovation I got on the first tee on Thursday and not being ready for how I was going to feel,' the 36-year-old told reporters today.
'I was a little surprised and a little taken aback. I was like, 'These people really want me to win'. I think that brought its own sort of pressure and more internally from myself and not really wanting to let people down.
'I learned pretty quickly that one of my challenges, especially in a week like this, is controlling myself and controlling that battle.
'I think in '19 I probably tried to isolate and I think it's better for everyone if I embrace it. I think it's better for me because it's nice to be able to accept adulation, even though I struggle with it at times.'
The five-time Major winner has spoken of struggling for motivation following the completion of his career Grand Slam with a dramatic victory at the Masters in April.
McIlroy became just the sixth man to win all four Majors when he beat Justin Rose in a play-off at Augusta.
After a disappointing spell following that memorable triumph, he is hopeful an encouraging joint-second place at the Scottish Open last week will be the springboard for a title charge at Royal Portrush.
'I'm certainly encouraged by how I've played the last two starts, especially last week in Scotland,' he said.
'I think the two weeks off after the Travelers (Championship) just to reset, to get over here, a bit of a change of scenery has been really nice.
'I'm excited with where my game is. I felt like I showed some really good signs last week.
'I feel like I'm in a good spot and – not that last week was a pure preparation week – but I definitely feel like it put me in a good spot heading into here.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
9 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Did Arsenal deal with Partey the right way? Arteta believes so
LONDON, July 21 — Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he is '100 per cent' confident the club correctly handled former midfielder Thomas Partey who continued playing for the Gunners while under police investigation. Arterta said this when responding to questions about the club's handling of the incident, during a pre-season stop in Singapore, BBC reported. Partey, 32, left Arsenal on June 30 when his contract expired and was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault four days later. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the offences reportedly occurred between 2021 and 2022. These charges involve three women, with varying counts of rape and sexual assault linked to each. Partey's lawyer maintains his client denies the charges and welcomes the opportunity to clear his name. A police investigation into the allegations began in February 2022 following an initial report of rape. During Arsenal's pre-season tour in Singapore, Arteta addressed media questions regarding Partey's situation. Partey is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5.
New Straits Times
12 hours ago
- New Straits Times
McIlroy got everything but the win out of Northern Ireland homecoming
PORTRUSH: Rory McIlroy said he had enjoyed an "awesome week" back in Northern Ireland, even if his charge to win the British Open for a second time fell short on Sunday. The Masters champion finished in a tie for seventh on 10 under par, seven shots adrift of world number one Scottie Scheffler, who romped to his first Claret Jug. McIlroy was supported wildly across the four days at Royal Portrush, which is just over 60 miles from where the world number two grew up. "It's been an awesome week. I've got everything I wanted out of this week apart from a Claret Jug, and that's just because one person was just a little bit better than the rest of us," said McIlroy. "I feel so thankful and just so lucky that I get to do this in front of this crowd. Hopefully I'll have one or two (British) Opens left here." McIlroy's Masters victory in April saw him become just the sixth man to win the career Grand Slam. It seems just a matter of time before Scheffler joins that list after he added the British Open to his two Masters and PGA Championship title from earlier this year. The American's spate of success in the last two years has sparked comparisons with the dominance of 15-time major winner Tiger Woods during his heyday. "None of us could hang with Scottie this week. He's an incredible player," added McIlroy. "He's been dominant for the last couple years. He is the bar that we're all trying to get to. "In a historical context, you could argue that there's only maybe two or three players in the history of the game that have been on a run, the one that Scottie's been on here for the last 24 to 36 months. Incredibly impressive. "He's a very worthy winner. Also, he's a great person, and I think he's a wonderful ambassador for our game as well."--AFP
New Straits Times
12 hours ago
- New Straits Times
The point is, Scottie, you are simply the best
PORTRUSH: Scottie Scheffler created waves before the British Open when he questioned the meaning of his success in a press conference, repeatedly asking what was the point of his relentless pursuit of golfing glory. After cruising to a four-shot victory at Royal Portrush on Sunday, the world number one American pumped his fists in celebration. "Thanks to the fans for all the support," Scheffler said after lifting the Claret Jug. "I know I wasn't the fan favourite today so I appreciate you guys coming out to support. Overall, it's been a great week, the fan support was tremendous. It was a really fun week to be able to play in front of such a great crowd." Scheffler's son Bennett fell over as he tried to run to his dad on the green before the British Open champion scooped him up and held him alongside the trophy. "Thanks to my wife and son - I love you very much and can't wait to get home and celebrate," Scheffler said. "To my parents and the rest of the team, I can't thank you guys enough. I've got the best support team. Everyone does such a great job of working together." There was a strong sense of inevitability about Scheffler winning his fourth major title and second of the year. Three early birdies sent him seven shots clear and even when he double-bogeyed the eighth hole, failing to escape from a bunker at the first attempt, there was no panic. NERVELESS PUTT Scheffler birdied the ninth with a five-foot putt, reverted to his risk-free strategy and picked up another shot at the 12th with a nerveless eight-footer. Six pars followed and he finished the week with only three bogeys alongside his late double. Watching him celebrate his victory, it was hard not to think about his pre-tournament comments. "This is not a fulfilling life," he said. "It's fulfilling from the sense of accomplishment but it's not fulfilling from a sense of the deepest places of your heart," the 29-year-old said. Scheffler has dominated golf since 2022. He won the Masters in 2022 and 2024, and the Olympic gold medal last year as whispers in golf have likened his dominance to that of 15-times major champion Tiger Woods in his prime. His rivals are in no doubt about his quality. "I played with him the first two days, and honestly I thought he was going to birdie every hole," 2019 Portrush Open champion Shane Lowry said. "It was incredible to watch." American Bryson DeChambeau, the twice U.S. Open champion who finished tied 10th at Portrush, played against Scheffler many times during their youth. "I knew at college he was going to be a good player, but not this good. He's setting a benchmark we all want to get to," DeChambeau said. "Scottie's in a league of his own right now. He's incredible. He really is.
