PINEHURST, N.C. — Rory McIlroy, fresh off a career-defining Masters victory earlier this year, admits he has struggled to maintain his momentum and is now focused on "getting my stuff together" ahead of the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. The Northern Irishman, a four-time major champion, acknowledged a dip in form and motivation since his triumph at Augusta National.
McIlroy, who ended a decade-long major drought with his Masters win, has since missed the cut at the PGA Championship and finished outside the top 20 at the Memorial Tournament. "Winning the Masters was everything I dreamed of, but it also took a lot out of me mentally," McIlroy told reporters during his pre-tournament press conference. "I needed to reset, and now it's time to refocus."
A Reality Check After Augusta
The 35-year-old admitted that his post-Masters slump was unexpected. "I thought I'd ride the wave, but golf doesn’t work like that," he said. McIlroy’s recent struggles have included:
- Inconsistent driving accuracy (ranking 142nd on the PGA Tour)
- A drop in putting performance (falling outside the top 50 in strokes gained)
- Mental fatigue affecting course management
McIlroy’s coach, Michael Bannon, noted that the golfer has been working on simplifying his approach. "Rory’s game is still there—he just needs to trust it again," Bannon said. "The U.S. Open demands precision, and that’s what we’re sharpening."
The Challenge of Pinehurst No. 2
Pinehurst’s famed No. 2 course, with its domed greens and punishing wiregrass rough, presents a unique test. McIlroy, who finished T23 here in 2014, knows the stakes. "This isn’t a course where you can fake it," he said. "You either have control or you’re scrambling for survival."
Key Adjustments for McIlroy
To contend, McIlroy has emphasized:
- Prioritizing accuracy over distance off the tee
- Practicing lag putting to handle Pinehurst’s treacherous greens
- Mental preparation to avoid frustration on missed shots
His caddie, Harry Diamond, added: "Rory’s best trait is his resilience. When he locks in, there’s nobody better at problem-solving on the fly."
The Bigger Picture: Chasing History
With a U.S. Open win, McIlroy would join an elite group of players with five or more majors. But he insists he’s not looking too far ahead. "Right now, it’s about playing one solid round at a time," he said. "The rest will take care of itself."
Analysts, however, see this as a pivotal moment. "If Rory can bounce back here, it could define the second half of his career," said Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee. "But if the struggles continue, questions about consistency will grow."
Conclusion: A Test of Resolve
McIlroy’s honesty about his recent challenges has been refreshing for fans. "I’m not where I want to be, but I’m working to get there," he said. As the U.S. Open begins, all eyes will be on whether the Northern Irishman can rediscover the form that made him a major champion—and prove that his "stuff" is indeed back together.
The first round tees off Thursday, with McIlroy grouped alongside Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele in a marquee morning pairing. For McIlroy, it’s not just another major—it’s a chance to silence doubts and reignite his season.
