Rory McIlroy deserves enormous credit for what he did immediately after soul-destroying 78 at the Canadian Open

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Rory McIlroy is going through a really difficult time right now.

McIlroy missed the cut at the Canadian Open after rounds of 71 and 78 left him in a tie for 142nd place.

The narrative has shifted massively regarding the Northern Irishman’s 2025 season over the past few weeks.

McIlroy was not happy with his new driver at the Canadian Open, and he’s clearly still feeling the after-effects of being without his trusty old ‘gamer’.

Something just doesn’t seem right with the Masters champion right now.

It must be said, a lot of the negative vibes seem to have been brought about by himself.

McIlroy said he felt hard done by after his name was leaked ahead of others after his driver failed testing.

He certainly could have made things a lot easier on himself had he spoken immediately to the media after the fall-out from the driver testing controversy.

Rory McIlroy deserves credit for his actions after day two at the Canadian Open

The five-time major champion has received huge criticism over the past few weeks.

McIlroy received criticism after his driver was deemed to be non-conforming at the PGA Championship in May.

The Northern Irishman didn’t speak to the media once during that tournament, and he only broke his silence on Wednesday, after a three-week media blackout.

Whilst, in my opinion, he deserved the criticism he received for that, he must also be praised for what he did after round two in Canada.

McIlroy faced up to the press after his round of eight-over par 78, and that must have taken real guts.

It would have been so easy for the five-time major champion to duck the waiting press yet again – he must have felt incredibly low.

However, McIlroy showed real character by coming out and speaking about his round.

And he would have got a lot of respect from the fans for fronting up to the media after what was such a soul-destroying day on the course.

McIlroy needs to reset his goals now

The 35-year-old has already admitted that it feels harder for him to put in extra effort on the practice ground now.

He has already achieved his lifetime ambition of winning the Grand Slam, so what next for him?

McIlroy needs to sit down with his team and set some new goals.

If he is to perform to the very best of his ability, he needs to play and practice with real hunger.

Unfortunately, that seems to be missing for him right now.

McIlroy will undoubtedly rediscover his best form at some point in the future, but he definitely will be concerned with how he is playing right now.

The best way to address his current slump will be a complete rest and as we all know, the Northern Irishman has what it takes to come back and prove his doubters wrong once again.