Rory McIlroy has snapped back at the “unsolicited advice” he received in the aftermath of his US Open heartbreak. The Northern Irishman was on course to land a fifth major of his career before faltering on the final few holes to hand victory to Bryson Dechambeau.
McIlroy gave himself a month away from golf after being denied victory at the Pinehurst course in North Carolina.
But he returned to action on Thursday as he carded a five-under par at the Renaissance Club to begin his Scottish Open title defence in formidable fashion.
“I’ve always liked to figure things out for myself. I’m not really one to reach out for advice, but there was a lot of unsolicited advice coming my way too [after the US Open],” McIlroy said following his first round at the North Berwick links.
“I’ve always wanted to own my success and disappointments. Giving yourself that time to reflect is always a good thing.”
And discussing his round, the 35-year-old added: “It was a bit of a slow start, a bit up and down. I hit a few shots early on which I haven’t seen in practice over the last couple of days which was a reminder that golf isn’t as easy as I sometimes think it is.
“But then I really started to feel good. I hit some good drives and iron shots on the back nine and felt like I left a couple out there. It was as gettable as you’re going to get this golf course. There’s a lot of low scores and for good reason. Hopefully the course can start to play a little bit tougher over the weekend.”
McIlroy was cheered on in Scotland by his wife Erica Stoll, who made the call to attend the event after the golfer filed for divorce in May.
The pair had looked set to bring their marriage to an end but have now U-turned on that decision.
Stoll, who watched McIlroy at the US Open with their family, walked around the Renaissance Club course on her own after her husband and was seen smiling. The reigning champion, meanwhile, was spotted wearing his wedding ring after ditching it for tournaments in May and June.
And commenting on the divorce news last month, McIlroy told The Guardian: “There have been rumours about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumour is a fool’s game.
“Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realised that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”
