Rory McIlroy: ‘Nobody is entitled to anything in golf. You have to earn it’

The Northern Irishman has moved on from last month’s Pinehurst mishap and is optimistic for a fresh assault on the Open.

EARNING IT: Rory McIlroy on the 3rd hole during day three of the Genesis Scottish Open. Photo credit: Malcolm Mackenzie/PA Wire.

Evidence of Rory McIlroy’s exalted status can arrive when you least expect. Ask him, for example, if anyone out of the ordinary got in touch in the aftermath of his excruciating conclusion to the US Open. McIlroy does not disappoint.

“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.