This video can not be played Watch: Frustrated McIlroy has 'earned the right to do whatever I want' Rory McIlroy has described his US Open performance as "pretty average" as he shot a four-over 74 in the third round to fall back to 10 over par. It has been a frustrating week so far for the Masters champion, who began well on Thursday, but finished his opening round four over at Oakmont. Despite a good recovery on Friday to make the cut after shooting two early bogeys, McIlroy admitted he would now prefer to be done given he is well out of contention. The 36-year-old has cut a frustrated figure throughout the tournament and, after Saturday's round, said making himself less available to some sections of the media has been partly due to a story leaked surrounding his driver before last month's PGA Championship. It emerged the USGA asked McIlroy to change the club just two days before the event after an equipment inspection deemed it 'non-conforming'. "It's just frustration with you guys (some sections of the media)," he said. "I have been totally available for the past number of years. That [driver issue] was a part of it but at Augusta I skipped you guys on Thursday. It's not out of the ordinary as I've done it before, but I am doing it a little more often. I feel like I've earned the right to do whatever I want to do." McIlroy said he hoped Sunday's final round will be a case of taking "four and a half hours and out of here" to put a disappointing week behind him. The Oakmont course has proved to be a challenge for the entire field and although McIlroy has been happy with some aspects of his game, retaining focus has been an issue at times. "The name of the game this week is staying patient and I've tried to do a good job of it out there, but it's just one of those golf courses you can lose patience pretty quickly," he reflected. "I have driven the ball as good as I have for a long time, so that's a positive from this week. I was hoping to play better, but didn't." McIlroy said he has felt "a little bit flat on the golf course" since his Masters triumph in April, which saw him become the sixth player to complete a career Grand Slam of winning all four majors. Naturally, he is keen to achieve further success, but knew from his slow start to Friday's second round that any chance of collecting a second major of the year this week was gone. With the shackles off a little, he produced a good finish to squeeze into the weekend action, but was unable to carry that into Saturday as he finished four over for the day. McIlroy acknowledged anything short of a top performance would be punished on the course. "It's much easier when you're on the cut line when you don't really care if you're here for the weekend or not," he added of Friday's effort. "I was thinking, 'do I want another two days here or not?', but it makes it easier to play when you're in that mindset. "I've certainly experienced times when I haven't played the way I wanted to. I actually feel like I've played OK this week, but it's just the sort of golf course where the tiniest mistakes get penalised a lot and that's how it's felt. "You've got to be on every single shot and if you miss a fairway, you're going to be scrambling for par. If you miss your landing spot by a couple of yards, these greens repel the ball into rough and it just makes things very tricky, so you've got to be on your game."
McIlroy 'frustrated' after 'pretty average' US Open showing
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Rory McIlroy Reflects on Disappointing US Open Performance"
Bbc News
7.8
TruthLens AI Summary
Rory McIlroy expressed his frustration following a disappointing performance at the US Open, where he ended the third round with a score of four-over-par 74, bringing his total to ten over for the tournament. McIlroy's struggles began with a lackluster first round at Oakmont, where he finished four over par. Although he managed to recover slightly on Friday to make the cut, the 36-year-old admitted that he would prefer to conclude the tournament early, given that he is out of contention for the title. McIlroy's frustration has been compounded by a recent incident involving his driver, which the USGA deemed 'non-conforming' just days before the PGA Championship. This led him to limit his media availability, a decision he justified by stating he feels entitled to choose how he engages with the press, especially after years of being accessible. He hopes to finish the final round quickly and move on from what has been a challenging week.
Despite his overall dissatisfaction, McIlroy acknowledged that he had performed well in certain aspects of his game, particularly with his driving, which he considered a positive takeaway from the event. The Oakmont course has proven to be a difficult challenge, requiring players to maintain patience and focus throughout the rounds. McIlroy reflected on how the course punishes even minor mistakes, making it essential to be at one's best for every shot. He noted that since his Masters victory in April, he has felt somewhat 'flat' on the golf course, which has contributed to his recent performance issues. While he hoped to secure another major title this year, he recognized that his slow start had effectively eliminated those chances. McIlroy's comments highlight the mental and technical challenges he faces as he seeks to regain his competitive edge in the sport.
TruthLens AI Analysis
Rory McIlroy's recent performance at the US Open has sparked discussions surrounding his emotional state and media relations. His comments reveal a nuanced relationship between professional athletes and the media, especially when faced with adversity. This article explores the implications of McIlroy's frustrations and the potential narratives that can emerge from them.
Media Relations and Athlete Frustration
McIlroy's mention of media frustration suggests a broader issue within the sports community regarding how athletes interact with journalists. The leak about his driver before the PGA Championship added to his discontent, indicating that external pressures can significantly impact an athlete's mental state. By limiting media interactions, McIlroy may be attempting to regain control over his narrative, reflecting a desire for privacy during challenging times.
Performance Context
His characterization of his performance as "pretty average" reflects not only his personal disappointment but also sets a standard for expectations from top athletes. McIlroy's candid acknowledgment of his struggles on a challenging course highlights the unpredictability of golf, where even the best can falter. This context serves to humanize him, making his experience relatable to both fans and aspiring golfers.
Potential Implications for Public Perception
The article may influence public perception by framing McIlroy as a frustrated yet resilient figure in the face of adversity. This narrative could foster empathy among fans, who may rally behind him as he seeks to overcome his current challenges. The emphasis on his desire to move past a disappointing week may resonate with audiences, reinforcing the idea that even elite athletes face setbacks.
Connection to Broader Themes
This situation may also tie into larger discussions regarding the pressures athletes face from media scrutiny and public expectations. McIlroy's situation could serve as a case study in understanding the mental health challenges that professional athletes encounter, especially in high-stakes environments.
Impact on Future Coverage
The portrayal of McIlroy's experiences could lead to more sensitive coverage of athletes' mental and emotional states. If media outlets choose to focus on the human aspects of performance rather than solely statistics and outcomes, it may shift the narrative style in sports journalism.
Conclusion
Overall, the report on McIlroy’s US Open performance and his reactions illustrates the complex dynamics between athletes and the media. The article brings forth important discussions about mental health in sports and the need for a more compassionate understanding of athletes' experiences, shedding light on the pressures they face.