Rory McIlroy is weighing up what comes next (Image: (Image: Getty))
Rory McIlroy has hit out at the ‘unfair’ pressures placed upon him, expressing frustration over being constantly reminded of his old mistakes and the agony of yet again coming close to winning the US Open.
The golf superstar, a fixture in the top-10 since 2009 and a beacon for European golf for nearly fifteen years, acknowledged his career accolades including FedEx Cup wins, Ryder Cup victories, and numerous European and PGA Tour successes.
Despite these, the sensation of clinching a major title has slipped through his fingers for the last decade, a feeling exacerbated by his recent near-miss at adding another US Open win to his belt.
Rory McIlroy has gone through a swing change (Image: Getty Images)
Dealing with ongoing critique and high expectations, McIlroy confided to Sky Sports, “I think what the hard thing is in my position is your disappointments and your mistakes keep getting brought up to you every time that you get in front of a camera or you’re in a press conference or answering questions,” lamenting the difficulty of his profession.
But despite these challenges, he admitted, “At the same time, I am in a very fortunate position that this is what I get to do for a living. If I have to deal with what people deem are unfair expectations or are held to a higher standard than others, then so be it.”
McIlroy has opened up on the painful near-miss at this year’s US Open, admitting it hits hard knowing fans fixate on his performance. He shared: “I feel like that’s a very privileged position to be in. I’d much rather have it this way than if people didn’t really care about what I was doing on the golf course.
“It’s hard because on one hand, I sit here and I’m proud of what I’ve done this year, but then on the other hand I sit here and I am disappointed because of the ones I’ve let get away.”
McIlroy led the charge as the final round commenced at the illustrious Pinehurst No.2, clinging onto an 8-under lead, only for a series of mishaps to present Bryson DeChambeau with a dramatic triumph by a single shot.
“I’d say it was a combination of everything,” he lamented when dissecting the crucial moments in North Carolina.
“I wouldn’t say it’s specifically the putts or the club choices – I think it’s a combination.”
The two-foot par putt he missed at the 16th hole is the stroke McIlroy ruefully identifies as his biggest regret, contemplating a different outcome if he had made par earlier at the 15th hole. He also contemplates the impact of feeling the pressure from DeChambeau’s plays.
He noted: “You’re very aware of what’s happening behind you and I needed to do a better job of trying to block that out and I didn’t. It’s hard enough just having to concentrate on yourself and focus on what you’re doing. Whenever your attention is taken away by focusing and looking at what your competitor does, it makes it even more difficult.”