Rory McIlroy has spoken out about the pressure he’s constantly placed under with the constant reminders of his prior failures, including a painful narrow miss at this year’s US Open.

The Northern Irish golf sensation has tasted FedEx Cup glory, triumphed in the Ryder Cup numerous times, and celebrated several European and PGA Tour victories in his career. But despite being a fixture in the top 10 since 2009 and shining in European golf for almost fifteen years, he hasn’t tasted major victory in a decade.

McIlroy says that the scrutiny around his sporting lows can be tough to handle. “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,” the star golfer told Sky Sports. “That’s the tough part of this gig.”

“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.

“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.”

During the final round of the 2024 US Open, McIlroy led with 8-under before the final holes. But a series of mishaps, including three bogeys and a particularly distressing missed two-foot par putt on the 16th hole, led to the Northern Irishman surrendering his top spot to Bryson DeChambeau by just one shot.

Rory McIlroy has gone through a swing change

McIlroy hasn’t won a major title in a decade ( 

Image:

Getty Images)

Reflecting on his letdown, McIlroy explained, “I’d say it was a combination of everything. I wouldn’t say it’s specifically the putts or the club choices – I think it’s a combination. The putt on 16 was probably the one that I’ll look back on most that I’ll regret. But I think if I had made par on 15, do I miss that putt on 16?

“Also, with the last few holes and with the way Pinehurst flows, I was waiting for Bryson to hit his shots. 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.”