One of the most pleasing aspects of Rory McIlroy’s performance at the Genesis Scottish Open has been seeing just how energised the Northern Irishman appears to have been at the Renaissance Club.
It already seems a lifetime ago that Rory McIlroy was winning for a third time this year by clinching The Masters and sealing the Career Grand Slam. At that stage, the 36-year-old appeared to be almost unstoppable.
However, those who expected the floodgates to immediately open would have been left disappointed. McIlroy has spent several weeks trying to rediscover the magic he was producing at the start of the year. And of course, he has had a rocky time with the media in recent months.
The problems seemed to begin when it was leaked that McIlroy’s driver was among those which failed testing ahead of the PGA Championship. He was far from the only one, however, it was only the five-time major champion’s name which got out initially.
Lee Trevino reacts to Rory McIlroy’s conduct since his driver failed testing during the PGA Championship
There was never any suggestion that McIlroy did anything wrong. However, he did not speak to the press at all once the PGA Championship got going. Meanwhile, McIlroy confirmed that he had a problem with the media at the US Open.
McIlroy spent much of the week at Oakmont appearing as if he would rather be anywhere else. And one of those who believes that he should have handled the situation differently is Lee Trevino.
Speaking to The Times, Trevino suggested that McIlroy did himself few favours with the fans by making it clear just how upset he was.
“He’s going to the tee, these guys are full of Bud and they’re saying, ‘Rory, is this driver legal?’ You don’t need that s–t,” he said.
“He could have used some humour. I’d have said, ‘I’m trying to be number one and if I can get another five or six illegal clubs in this bag, I’m going to try.’”
Lee Trevino issues his verdict on Rory McIlroy’s chances at The Open Championship
Of course, McIlroy will have struggled this week at the Genesis Scottish Open to not think ahead to next week at The Open Championship, which returns to Royal Portrush.
McIlroy has unfinished business at the course. He missed the cut in 2019 after getting off to the worst possible start during his first round.
It seemed that the occasion may have got to him six years ago. But Trevino gave a simple explanation for why he is optimistic about his chances in the coming days.
“I don’t know of anyone playing who’s more of a shot-maker than Rory,” he said. “That’s what you’ll need at Portrush.”
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