This video can not be played Watch: Rory McIlroy says Oakmont is 'probably' toughest US Open course Rory McIlroy says his recent loss of form has helped him realise he needs to "get my stuff together" at this week's US Open after struggling for motivation following his career-defining Masters win. Northern Ireland's superstar golfer became just the sixth man to complete the career Grand Slam with hisMasters victory in April, but he has since struggled, finishing tied 47th at last month's US PGA Championship before missing the cut by 12 shots at last week's Canadian Open. While the 36-year-old said it was important for him to savour his Augusta triumph, he added he wants to move on at Oakmont Country Club as he bids for a second US Open title. "I think it's trying to have a little bit of amnesia and forget about what happened six weeks ago [at the Masters], then just trying to find the motivation to go back out there and work as hard as I've been working," said 2011 US Open champion McIlroy. "I worked incredibly hard on my game from October last year all the way up until April this year. "It was nice to sort of see the fruits of my labour come to fruition and have everything happen." McIlroy, who has reverted to his old driver after struggling off the tee in Canada, added: "You have to enjoy that. You have to enjoy what you've just accomplished. "I certainly feel like I'm still doing that and I will continue to do that. At some point you have to realise that there's a little bit more golf left to play this season. "Weeks like Quail Hollow [at the US PGA] or even weeks like last week, it makes it easier to reset in some way - to be like 'OK, I sort of need to get my stuff together here and get back to the process'." McIlroy also explained that he has "always been a player that struggles" to perform immediately after a big win. "I always struggle to show up with motivation the next week because you've just accomplished something and you want to enjoy it, and you want to sort of relish the fact that you've achieved a goal," he said. McIlroy has switched back to his old driver after struggling off the tee in Canada McIlroy added he "certainly can't relax" this week at Oakmont, where he missed the cut when the challenging Pittsburgh layout last staged the US Open in 2016. He also failed to make the weekend in 2017 and 2018, but has since posted six consecutive top-10 finishes and has been runner-up the past two years. "I made the decision at that back end of 2018 into 2019, I wanted to try to build my game around the toughest tests that we have in the game," he said. "The US Open went from probably my least favourite major to probably my favourite because of what it asks from you, and I love that challenge." While McIlroy said he tried to wipe 2016 from his memory, he was handed a stark reminder of Oakmont's severe demands - five-inch rough and undulating greens - when he shot an 11-over 81 during an early practice round last week. "Last Monday felt impossible - I birdied the last two holes for 81," said the five-time major winner, adding the course feels "softer" this week. "It felt pretty good, it didn't feel like I played that bad! It's much more benign now. "They had the pins in dicey positions and the greens were running at 15 and a half. It was nearly impossible."
McIlroy aims to get his 'stuff together' at US Open
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Rory McIlroy Seeks to Rebuild Form Ahead of US Open at Oakmont"
Bbc News
8.4
TruthLens AI Summary
Rory McIlroy is focusing on regaining his competitive edge as he prepares for the US Open at Oakmont Country Club. Following his career-defining victory at the Masters in April, McIlroy has experienced a significant drop in form, finishing tied for 47th at the US PGA Championship and missing the cut by 12 shots at the Canadian Open. The 36-year-old golfer acknowledges that while it is important to celebrate his Masters success, he recognizes the need to move forward and regain his motivation. In reflecting on his recent performances, McIlroy expressed the necessity of 'having a little bit of amnesia' regarding past struggles and emphasized the importance of returning to the disciplined work ethic that brought him success earlier in the season. He has reverted to his previous driver after facing difficulties with his tee shots and is determined to find a way to navigate the challenges of Oakmont, a course that has proven difficult for him in the past.
McIlroy has historically struggled to maintain motivation immediately following major victories, which he attributes to the natural desire to enjoy and savor such accomplishments. Despite this, he remains focused on the upcoming US Open, where he aims to reclaim his form and contend for his second title. He has noted his past experiences at Oakmont, including missed cuts in 2016, 2017, and 2018, but has shown significant improvement in recent years with six consecutive top-10 finishes. During a recent practice round, McIlroy faced the tough conditions of the course, shooting an 11-over 81 but stated that the course feels more manageable this week. He is motivated by the challenges posed by the US Open, which he now regards as one of his favorite majors, and is committed to embracing the rigorous demands it presents as he seeks to get his game back on track for the tournament.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents an insight into Rory McIlroy's current mindset and performance as he prepares for the US Open. It highlights the pressures and challenges that elite athletes face after achieving significant milestones in their careers, showcasing the psychological aspect of professional sports.
McIlroy's Performance and Motivation Struggles
McIlroy's admission of struggling with motivation after his Masters victory is a common theme among athletes who reach career-defining moments. His recent performances, including a disappointing finish at the US PGA Championship and missing the cut at the Canadian Open, illustrate the difficulty of maintaining peak performance following a significant win. This narrative emphasizes the mental challenges that come with success, suggesting that even top athletes are not immune to the pressures of their careers.
The Importance of Resetting and Focus
McIlroy's comments about needing to "get my stuff together" reflect a desire to regain focus and motivation. This statement points to the necessity of mental reset in sports, which is crucial for maintaining consistency in performance. His reference to "amnesia" indicates a strategic approach to moving past recent setbacks and re-engaging with the hard work that led to his success. This concept of resetting is vital for athletes who must continuously adapt to the demands of competition.
Public Perception and Support
The coverage of McIlroy's struggles also serves to humanize him, making him relatable to fans who may experience their own challenges in life. By openly discussing his motivation issues, he connects with his audience on a personal level, potentially garnering support from fans who admire his honesty and resilience. This aspect of the article could be intended to foster a more profound connection between McIlroy and his supporters, reinforcing his status as a beloved figure in the sport.
Potential Implications on the Sport
The article may influence public perception of professional golf, particularly regarding the mental health aspects of the sport. By shedding light on McIlroy's experiences, it encourages a broader conversation about the pressures athletes face and the importance of mental well-being. This could lead to increased support for mental health initiatives within sports, impacting how athletes approach their training and competition in the future.
Trustworthiness of the Article
In terms of reliability, the article appears to be grounded in McIlroy's own words and experiences, providing a firsthand account of his feelings and challenges. However, it is essential to consider that the interpretation of his statements could be influenced by the author's perspective. Overall, the article maintains a reasonable degree of credibility, reflecting the complexities of an athlete's journey rather than sensationalizing his struggles.
In conclusion, the article aims to highlight McIlroy's current state of mind and the inherent challenges of maintaining motivation after significant success, while also fostering a deeper connection between the athlete and his supporters.