Rory McIlroy put his US Open disappointment behind him with a bogey-free opening round at the Travelers Championship, though the Northern Irishman’s relationship with the media remains strained
Rory McIlroy admitted “there’s no point” focusing on winning the Travelers Championship this weekend as he places greater importance on getting back into good form.
Last week saw McIlroy barely conceal his irritation with Oakmont and reporters, quickly drawing attention to his unexpected conduct with many criticising the Northern Irishman’s behaviour, including Ryder Cup hero Paul McGinley. He avoided the media for the first two major rounds but later insisted he’s “earned the right” to skip press duties, all while voicing eagerness to move on from the US Open.
Despite the tension, McIlroy emerged beaming in an interview on Sunday, yet his Oakmont behaviour continued to spark criticism and queries from both fans and commentators.
By Thursday, the 36-year-old golfer was eager to chat post a stellar bogey-free start at the Travelers Championship. Sinking birdies on Holes No. 2, 6, 8, 13, 15, and 17 at TPC River Highlands, McIlroy launched the tournament with a six-under-par opener.
“Yeah, it was good,” he started. “I said yesterday, this is a nice tonic compared to last week in terms of it’s a slightly more benign golf course and the penalty for missing isn’t quite as severe. You can give yourself plenty of chances for birdies, which Keegan [Bradley] and I did today.
“Yeah, overall it was a good start to the tournament, and I think when you’re in a two-ball like that and we can sort of feed off one another a little bit, too, that’s nice, as well.”
Fresh from his Masters victory in April, McIlroy is cautiously optimistic about his current form but isn’t letting himself get carried away as he refused to think about claiming victory at the event, reports the Mirror US. He shared: “I just want to see some good golf and see some better shots.
“I think if you concentrate on that and you’re concentrating on your quality of golf and concentrating on just trying to play to the best of your ability, the result will take care of itself.
“There’s no point in thinking about the result right now. I’m just trying to play as good as I can and make good swings, and if I do that enough, more than likely I’ll find myself in a position to have a chance to win.”
Engaging with the media following recent disagreements, McIlroy was questioned on his views regarding sports journalism. “I’m not a journalist. I don’t know. Report the birdies and bogeys, I guess,” he candidly responded. “The storylines sort of write themselves for the most part.
“I certainly see the need for it and see the need for the platform. I’ve never argued that. But I just think nowadays there’s so many different ways to consume sports and entertainment. It certainly isn’t the only avenue to get your sports news and information.”
It’s Austin Eckroat and Scottie Scheffler who share the joint-lead in Connecticut with a score of eight-under-par while US Open champion JJ Spaun has struggled thus far having shot three-over-par.