sevendayweekender – Rory McIlroy declared he has “earned the right to do whatever I want” after skipping media interviews during the opening two rounds of the US Open. The Northern Irish golfer described his performance as “pretty average” and only spoke to reporters for the first time after completing Saturday’s third round. McIlroy shot a four-over 74 that left him 10 over par and struggling to stay competitive at Oakmont.
The Masters champion admitted his goal for the final round was simply to take “four and a half hours and out of here.” McIlroy appeared visibly frustrated throughout the week, narrowly making the cut after two difficult rounds. His reluctance to engage fully with the media this week is partly linked to a recent controversy involving his driver.
Two days before last month’s US PGA Championship, the USGA instructed McIlroy to change his driver after it failed an equipment inspection. There was no accusation of wrongdoing on McIlroy’s part, but the incident led to a leaked story that seemingly upset the player. McIlroy is not contractually obligated to do media interviews, and he said he’s increasingly choosing when to engage.
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Media Relations and Equipment Issues Shape McIlroy’s US Open Approach
In his first post-round interview at a major since winning the Masters in April, McIlroy explained his selective media availability. He acknowledged that his frustration with some parts of the media contributed to his decision to limit interviews. McIlroy noted he has generally been very accessible in recent years, but recent events have shifted his approach.
The driver controversy was a factor, but McIlroy also pointed to previous occasions when he skipped interviews. He recalled skipping media on the Thursday of the Masters, emphasizing that this is not unusual behavior for him. However, he feels justified in doing it more often now because of his accomplishments and experience.
This more measured media engagement reflects a player managing external pressures amid a tough week on a notoriously difficult course. Oakmont’s demanding setup requires immense patience, and McIlroy said maintaining focus has been challenging. Despite this, he remains positive about parts of his game, particularly his driving accuracy.
Oakmont’s Challenge Exposes Margins for Error and Tests Patience
Oakmont Golf Club has proven a difficult test for all players at the US Open, and McIlroy is no exception. He highlighted the punishing nature of the course, where the smallest mistakes lead to significant penalties. The layout demands precision on every shot, and even slight miscalculations can result in lost strokes.
McIlroy shared that patience is crucial when playing Oakmont. He has worked hard to stay composed but admitted the course can quickly erode a player’s mental resilience. His frustration with his own game partly stems from this challenge. While he praised his driving performance, he recognized his overall play has not met his expectations.
The pressure of the course, combined with McIlroy’s own high standards, created a tough environment for scoring. The greens are especially tricky, often repelling balls into rough areas that complicate recovery efforts. This harsh terrain requires constant concentration, and McIlroy felt the course demanded near-perfect execution.
Feeling ‘Flat’ After Masters Victory and Striving for Continued Success
Since completing his career Grand Slam by winning the Masters, McIlroy has experienced a dip in his usual energy on the course. He described feeling “a little bit flat” during the US Open week, indicating the emotional and physical toll of sustaining peak performance across major tournaments.
Despite this, McIlroy is still eager to achieve further success. He understands that his slow start to the tournament on Friday effectively ended his chances of winning a second major title this year. Freed from that pressure, he managed a stronger finish on Friday to make the cut, but could not carry that momentum into Saturday’s round.
This experience highlights the difficulty of maintaining peak form across multiple majors in a single season. McIlroy’s openness about his struggles shows his commitment to honest self-assessment. Even though his current results fall short of his goals, he remains motivated to improve and regain his winning edge.
Strategic Mindset and Course Realities Shape McIlroy’s Final US Open Push
McIlroy’s approach during the weekend rounds has shifted due to his position on the leaderboard. Being near the cut line allowed him to relax slightly, playing with less pressure and a more straightforward mindset. He admitted this mental state made it easier to compete despite not performing at his best.
He described the course as unforgiving, where missing fairways or landing spots forces difficult recovery shots. Oakmont demands that players be “on their game” for every shot. McIlroy recognized that even minor errors quickly compound, making scoring very challenging.
Looking ahead to the final round, McIlroy’s priority is to complete his rounds efficiently and move past a disappointing week. His comments reflect both a desire to protect his mental health and a focus on preparing for future tournaments. The experience at Oakmont serves as a reminder of golf’s unforgiving nature and the importance of resilience at the highest level.
