Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland is set to make his return to the Travelers Championship in Connecticut after opting out of the 2024 event to recover from a narrow miss at the US Open held at Pinehurst.
Following a challenging performance at this year’s major at Oakmont, where frustration was evident as he barely made the cut, McIlroy expressed to the press that he had the freedom to skip media obligations. He underscored the pressures of competing at such a high level.
Post-tournament, he reflected on achieving a career Grand Slam with his Masters win in April, likening it to climbing his “Everest” and expressing eagerness for new challenges ahead.
“Competing for major titles can be quite taxing, especially after being in contention,” the 36-year-old remarked. “After a tough week at Oakmont, where I felt I was close to finding my rhythm, I’m eager to hit the greens again.”
He described his upcoming participation at the Travelers Championship as an ideal opportunity to bounce back, emphasizing his anticipation of a course where birdies are within reach.
When queried about specific moments from the US Open that contributed to his renewed confidence, the five-time major winner highlighted the importance of consistency. He noted his standout performance off the tee at Oakmont, which set him apart in the field.
“Finding a repeatable feeling is crucial—what works on the range doesn’t always translate to the course, so tangible results matter,” he explained. “I felt I had discovered a solid technique, particularly with my driving, and that was a significant takeaway from last week.”