Rory McIlroy is set to play the Irish Open this year in his home country. It’s not a place he’s had a lot of success, and he has previously struggled at times in front of the local fans.

McIlroy shot an 80 in the opener in the 2015 Irish Open and struggled en route to a missed cut at the 2019 Open Championship. He opened up on the challenges and positives about playing at home and said (via Irish Golfer):

“Yeah, it’s a bit of a double-edged sword.”

McIlroy added:

“I get the buzz but I also feel the added pressure of trying to perform at home. Something I’ve honestly struggled with in the past. You know, the couple Irish Opens that I’ve played in Northern Ireland, the one Open Championship I played in Northern Ireland, hasn’t went so well.”

The Irishman said he usually tries to relax and do what he would normally do any time of the year. McIlroy said that while it’s “great” to play with fans cheering him on, he has to “manage” his own personal world and try to get the best golf out of himself.

Rory McIlroy acknowledges young fans trying to get to him

Rory McIlroy is one of the most famous golfers in the world. This weekend, he’ll be the main attraction at an event in Ireland, from where he is one of the most famous players to ever hail. He understands what it means to the young fans.

Rory McIlroy appreciates the fans who watch him (Imagn)

McIlroy said (via Irish Golfer):

“I know it doesn’t seem that long ago that I was one of those kids in that line trying to get an autograph at Mount Juliet or an Irish Open wherever it was back in 2003, 2004″

He said he knows how much it meant for him to get an autograph from Ernie Els, Tiger Woods, and others when he was young. McIlroy added:

“I understand, it’s hard to get to everyone but I try to make an effort, especially when I come back here. I don’t get to play competitive golf very often back here. So I certainly appreciate the support that I get.”

All in all, Rory McIlroy likes seeing the amount of young fans grow. He wants to make sure they know that they’re appreciated and that he is trying to give them something to aspire for in the future of the sport, should they want to pursue it.

McIlroy also mentioned the PIF-PGA Tour merger, which is reportedly having talks on September 11. He labeled the timing as peculiar but is currently focused entirely on golf.

McIlroy revealed that he doesn’t know much about it yet, and he will presumably figure it out along with everyone else.

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Edited by Prathik BR