Rory McIlroy is eager to “get back on the horse” and go in search once again of that elusive fifth major title at The Open this week.
The Northern Irishman has not won one of the game’s biggest prizes since the 2014 PGA Championship – a remarkable record given his talent.
He ought to have ended that drought at Pinehurst in the US Open last month but two missed putts from inside four feet in the final three holes saw him overtaken by Bryson DeChambeau.
📰 Table Of Contents
Read our in-depth betting preview for The Open and get the best betting offers
It was a shattering loss for the 35-year-old but, having played well in finishing tied fourth at the Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club last week, he is relishing the chance to go one better at the 152nd Open Championship at Troon.
“You have to be an eternal optimist,” he said. “Say you play 25 events a year and win three of those. You are one of the best players in history. We lose way more than we win.
“Yes, I was in a great winning position and should have won but it’s not the first time I have let something slip away. It’s probably not going to be the last. You have to look at it on the continuum. It was tough but it is one tournament.
“I play 23-25 per year. You have to keep going. The great thing about this game is you have an opportunity to get back on the horse right after a tough loss. You try to learn from it and do better next time.”
Friends in high places
With Tiger Woods no longer the force he once was, McIlroy is the biggest name in golf – a point demonstrated by the sporting greats that he says got in touch to commiserate after his Pinehurst collapse.
“Rafa Nadal and Michael Jordan,” he says. “Two of the most unbelievable competitors that have ever been in sport. MJ was maybe the first person to text me after I missed the putt on the 18th but both of them got in touch very, very quickly.
“They just told me to keep going. MJ reminded me of how many game-winning shots he missed. Really nice.”
