Letter from the US Open: Rory McIlroy needs to be selfish

Cancelling his traditional pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday and declining requests to chat was the most healthy thing he could do.

Rory McIlroy reacts after missing a putt during a practice round. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Rory McIlroy has reached an inflection point where he needs to do something out-of-character for the Northern Irishman – he needs to be selfish.

McIlroy cancelled his traditional pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday and declined requests to chat as he prepared on the North Course at Los Angeles Country Club for his 15th U.S. Open start. Considering everything that gone on in his world over the last week and months, it was the most healthy thing McIlroy could do.