Rory McIlroy is going along nicely at the Scottish Open as he looks to get into form ahead of next week.
After his narrow miss at the US Open a few weeks ago, McIlroy’s focus is now on being ready for The Open at Royal Troon next week.
Up in Scotland for the Genesis Scottish Open – where he is defending his title – McIlroy shot a very nice five under par in his opening round to keep apace with the leaders.
The Northern Irishman knows that a good week this week will set him up nicely for Troon as he looks to finally add major number five to his CV.
- READ MORE: Rory McIlroy shares what surprised him about his game during round one of the Scottish Open
Of course, eyes have been firmly fixed on McIlroy this week after he left Pinehurst in a hurry when seeing Bryson DeChambeau beat him to glory on the final hole.
But singing the praises of McIlroy and how he handles such pressures, Sky Sports commentator Rich Beem has lauded the 35-year-old.
Rich Beem explains why Rory McIlroy is such a rarity in the golfing world
Speaking about McIlroy just prior to him teeing off today in Scotland, Beem lauded how McIlroy seems to be able to put things behind him and move on.
“It’s interesting to listen to some of those words. I’ve always believed he’s owned everything he’s ever done. Lot of caddy chatter about does he need Harry Diamond back, yes he does. He’s the CEO of Rory McIlroy Inc and he’s the one who’s going to make the decisions on the golf course and take ownership and I think Harry’s done an amazing job throughout the years,” Beem said.
“I think that though, walking around like he did in Manhattan, what was it about his performance that broke down over those last four holes? I think that’s what we’re going to find out the next few weeks. How much has let that go? If he goes out here and contends this week we’ll be saying he’s mostly behind this now. But if he goes out and struggles next couple days we can say has he truly gotten past it?
“Watching Rory these last few years i just think he’s past all this. He’s accepted what happened at Pinehurst. I think it still stings, and he’s going to keep it with him.
“But I think he’s such an extraordinary player, such a great mentality, I don’t see him faltering one bit and I think he’ll be right in the mix next week.
He truly is one of the rare individuals that can forget about that mishap and just move past, which is what he did yesterday.”
McIlroy, then, will be hoping to prove Beem right and show he can keep winning big events.
2024 has been a decent season for McIlroy in the main and if he could top it off by doing well this weekend and then winning The Open, it would cap another excellent period in his career.
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