Rory McIlroy is feeling hopeful about regaining his competitive edge after discovering a positive sensation during his top 20 finish at last week’s US Open, held at Oakmont.
The Northern Irish golfer achieved a significant milestone earlier this year by winning The Masters in April, thus completing his career Grand Slam. However, he faced challenges at the PGA Championship in May, where he tied for 47th and opted not to engage with the media, particularly following controversy surrounding the legality of his driver.
Subsequently, McIlroy missed the cut at the Canadian Open prior to the US Open. He showed resilience at Oakmont, managing to advance to the weekend, though he again declined post-round media interactions during the first two days.
Finishing strong with a three-under-par 67 in the third men’s major of 2025, McIlroy is now preparing to participate in the upcoming Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in Connecticut, broadcast live on Sky Sports—with renewed confidence.
On Wednesday, he remarked, “It’s not just about one shot; it’s about the consistency of my shots. If I can find a feeling that I can replicate… It’s a testament to my progress.”
“Last week at Oakmont, I definitely found a feeling, especially off the tee, that felt consistent. I led in strokes gained off the tee, which is significant for me. Overall, I was pleased with my driving.” He added, “Post-major tournaments can often feel challenging, especially after seeking to clinch a victory.”
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Reflecting on his experience, he continued, “After a week at Oakmont, even if you’re not in contention, discovering something positive in your game excites you to return to competition.”
McIlroy: Recent competitions have tested players
Looking ahead, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who triumphed at the 2024 Travelers Championship, is set to defend his title against a competitive field. Last year, he won in a playoff against Tom Kim after both players finished regulation play at 22 under.
McIlroy expressed anticipation for returning to a course known for its birdie opportunities, stating, “Many in this week’s field, this is their fourth consecutive tournament. They’ve faced quite a grind.”
“This tournament provides a much-needed respite where players can feel at ease, avoiding the continuous pressure to score.”
Scheffler, who finished tied for seventh at the US Open, commented on the course setup at the Travelers: “Some may suggest it could be too easy, but a true test rewards good shots and penalizes poor ones. This course excels in that regard.” He emphasized that challenges vary across courses and that all tests in professional golf hold value, regardless of the winning score.
“The most frustrating aspect of tournament play for me is when solid shots are undervalued and poor shots receive insufficient consequences. That’s all we seek to validate our performances.”
“Do we care if the winning score is 22-under? Not really.”
Catch the PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship live on Sky Sports from Thursday to Sunday, or stream it contract-free on NOW. Early coverage kicks off on day one at 12:30 PM on Sky Sports Golf, Sky Sports Main Event, and Sky Sports+.