Rory McIlroy expressed his preference for "close calls" over not being in contention as he gears up for the Open Championship, aiming for his first major title since 2014. Reflecting on his recent near-miss at the US Open, where he missed crucial putts on the 16th and 18th holes, McIlroy lost by just one stroke to Bryson DeChambeau. After taking a brief hiatus following this disappointment, he returned to action at the Scottish Open, finishing tied for fourth place.
McIlroy acknowledged that his recent performances indicate he is on the right track, especially compared to a period from 2015 to 2020 when he rarely contended in major championships. He emphasized that close calls are a sign of progress and are preferable to not being in the mix at all. Despite the ongoing pressure to secure another title, McIlroy remains focused on the positive aspects of his game and is motivated to keep pushing forward.
Since his last major victory at the 2014 PGA Championship, McIlroy has achieved 21 top-10 finishes in major tournaments. His runner-up finish at the US Open, his second consecutive near-win at the event, highlighted his resilience. McIlroy shared that, although initially dejected, he quickly shifted his mindset from disappointment to determination, using the experience as fuel for future competitions.
As he prepares for the first round at Royal Troon, McIlroy is among the favorites. Notably, he missed a supportive message from Tiger Woods after the US Open due to changing his phone number, a humorous yet telling moment of the camaraderie in the sport. McIlroy will begin the Open Championship paired with Max Homa and Tyrrell Hatton, carrying the support and expectations of his fans and peers into the tournament.
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