This video can not be played Watch: Rory McIlroy looking forward to Portrush homecoming Rory McIlroy says he is looking forward to climbing "another mountain" by winning an Open Championship on home soil after ending a frustrating US Open on a positive note. The Northern Irishman has struggled since his career Grand Slam-clinching victory at the Masters in April, but carded an encouraging three-under 67 to close out his week at Oakmont on seven over. The 36-year-old says he will play in next week's Travelers Championship before taking a couple of weeks off to "get myself in the right frame of mind" for July's Open Championship at Royal Portrush, where he missed the cut in 2019. "I climbed my Everest in April, and I think after you do something like that, you've got to make your way back down, and you've got to look for another mountain to climb," said the world number two. "An Open at Portrush is certainly one of those." The five-time major champion added: "If I can't get motivated to get up for an Open Championship at home, then I don't know what can motivate me. "I just need to get myself in the right frame of mind. I probably haven't been there the past few weeks. "But getting home and having a couple weeks off, hopefully feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, will get me in the right place again." Despite a late rally in the second round, McIlroy was reduced to tears after failing to make the cut when The Open returned to Portrush for the first time in 68 years in 2019. "I didn't realise how emotional I was going to be at Portrush. I think that was a thing I was unprepared for more than anything else," he recalled. "I remember I hit a shot into 12 or 13 on Friday, obviously trying to make the cut. I remember the roar I got when the ball hit the green, and I felt like I was about to burst into tears. "That support and that love from your own people, I was unprepared for that. I need to get myself in the right frame of mind to feel those feelings again." McIlroy cut a dejected figure when he spoke to reporters after Saturday's third round and outlined his "frustration" with the media after a leaked story surrounding his 'non-conforming' driver at last month's US PGA Championship. He did not speak to reporters after each of his four rounds at Quail Hollow and the opening two days of the US Open. The five-time major winner has struggled off the tee in recent weeks, but he appeared in better spirits after hitting 11 of 14 fairways at Oakmont on Sunday. "I feel like I've driven the ball well all week. After the way I drove it today, I'd say I finished in the top five in strokes gained off the tee," he said. "[I'm] really encouraged with the driver and how I drove it as well. It's not necessarily the driver, it's more me and sort of where my swing was. "I feel like I got a really good feeling in my swing with the driver, which was great. Hopefully I can continue that on into next week. It's close. "Physically I feel like my game's there. It's just mentally getting myself in the right frame of mind to get the best out of myself."
McIlroy keen to 'climb another mountain' at Portrush
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"Rory McIlroy Prepares for Open Championship at Royal Portrush"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Rory McIlroy has expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming Open Championship at Royal Portrush, aiming to achieve what he describes as 'climbing another mountain' after a challenging period in his career. Following a lackluster performance at the US Open, where he finished with a score of seven over par, McIlroy managed to end the tournament positively by shooting a three-under 67 on the final day. The Northern Irish golfer, who secured his career Grand Slam at the Masters earlier this year, is looking forward to competing at home, especially after experiencing the emotional highs and lows during the 2019 Open Championship at Portrush, where he failed to make the cut. McIlroy stated that if he cannot find motivation for a major championship at home, he is unsure of what could inspire him. He plans to participate in the Travelers Championship before taking a break to mentally prepare for the Open in July, seeking to regain his focus and energy after recent struggles.
Reflecting on his past experience at Portrush, McIlroy recalled the emotional support he received from local fans, which caught him by surprise during the 2019 tournament. He described feeling overwhelmed by the crowd's reaction as he attempted to make the cut, which ultimately added to his disappointment. McIlroy has also faced challenges off the tee in recent weeks but reported improved performance at Oakmont, where he hit 11 of 14 fairways. He emphasized the importance of getting his mental game back on track, recognizing that while his physical skills are in place, the right mindset is crucial for his success. As he prepares for the Open Championship, McIlroy is focusing on channeling his emotions positively and harnessing the support of his home crowd to enhance his performance in this pivotal event.
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