Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts after finishing the 18th hole during the final round of the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort In his first interview since his US Open runner-up finish by one shot to American Bryson DeChambeau, the 35-year-old Northern Irishman was firmly looking ahead to The Open Championship. Photo: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images via AFP
Rory McIlroy is ready to put his US Open disappointment behind him as he looks to find form at the Scottish Open which began at The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland, on Thursday.
In his first interview since his US Open runner-up finish by one shot to American Bryson DeChambeau, the 35-year-old Northern Irishman was firmly looking ahead to the next two weeks, culminating at The Open Championship.
McIlroy squandered a two-shot lead with five holes left to play at the US Open, and after the tournament opted not to speak to reporters after his poor finish.
The four-time major winner, cited that he had historically come back well after major disappointments.
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“It’s something that’s been a bit of a theme throughout my career, I’ve been able to take those tough moments and turn them into great things not very long after that,” said McIlroy.
"The way I’d describe Pinehurst on Sunday was it was a great day until it wasn’t.
“I did things on that Sunday that I haven’t been able to do the last couple of years, took control of the golf tournament, holed putts when I needed to - well, mostly - made birdies and really got myself in there.”
A couple weeks on, McIlroy was able to look at the defeat from a different perspective.
"I stewed on what happened at Pinehurst for a couple of days but then, thankfully, I can go home and look at what I've achieved in the game and sort of feel OK about myself.
"It was a great opportunity. It passed me by but hopefully when I get that next opportunity, it won't pass me by.”
McIlroy got off to a slow start at The Scottish Open with two birdies offset by two bogeys after six holes.