McIlroy sees 'big steps of progress' before US Open bid

McIlroy had cancelled his pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday.

'PROGRESS: Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, smiles on the ninth hole during a practice round for the U.S. Open Championship. Pic: AP Photo/Matt York

World number three Rory McIlroy said he has made "big steps of progress" in his game before he begins the U.S. Open with renewed focus and tries to end a nine-year barren run in majors.

McIlroy cancelled his pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday, a week after he addressed the fallout from the announcement of a merger between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf at the Canadian Open.