Rory McIlroy after latest major disappointment: "I just keep looking forward"

Rory McIlroy says he's 'optimistic' about the future after ensuring his major drought extended into a tenth year after coming up short at The Open.

Ben Smith

23 Jul 2023

Rory McIlroy after latest major disappointment: "I just keep looking forward" — Rory McIlroy after latest major disappointment: "I just keep looking…

Rory McIlroy says he 'cannot be too frustrated' after ensuring his major drought extended into a tenth year.

McIlroy, 34, posted a final round of 68 at the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool to finish on 6-under par.

He needed card a 63 or 64 if he was going to have any chance to chase down the surprise 54-hole leader Brian Harman.

But it was not to be for the Northern Irishman, who has now posted 20 top-10 finishes in the majors over the last nine years.

McIlroy described his performance - where he carded rounds of 71, 70, 69 and 68 as 'solid' but 'not spectacular'.

Once again it was a tale of woe for McIlroy on the putting surface, his flatstick letting him down when he was superb from tee to green.

McIlroy's performances in the majors this year saw him miss the cut at he 87th Masters, 'struggle to piece it together' at the US PGA Championship and finish runner-up once again at the U.S. Open.

The Ulsterman attempted to keep a low-profile this week by cancelling his pre-tournament press conference but things didn't fall his way.

Asked if he was frustrated or if he feels he now has a platform for success, McIlroy said:

"Yeah, I think a little bit of both. Over the last two years would I have loved to have picked one of those off that I finished up there? Absolutely.

"But every time I tee it up or most times I tee it up, I'm right there. I can't sit here and be too frustrated. My game is in a -- you think about my performances in the majors between like 2016 and 2019, it's a lot better than that.

"Again, I'm optimistic about the future, and just got to keep plugging away."

Rory McIlroy after latest major disappointment:

McIlroy said he will now turn his attentions to the PGA Tour's FedExCup in a few weeks' time before attempting to be part of his fifth successful European Ryder Cup team.

"I just keep looking forward," McIlroy said.

Asked about Harman's performance this week, he added:

"If Brian were to win, which it looks like he's going to, I don't think it'll change that much for him. He likes to go hunt in the wintertime and likes his off-season. If I know Brian like I think I do, I don't think it's going to change him as a person.

"There might be a few more demands on his time, but apart from that, I think it'll be pretty much the same."

What do you make of McIlroy's performances this year in the majors? Will he finally get a break through? Why not send us a Tweet?

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