After a challenging U.S. Open, Rory McIlroy is setting his sights on The Open Championship at Portrush. Despite a tough week at Oakmont, McIlroy remains optimistic about his upcoming performance in Northern Ireland.

McIlroy's U.S. Open Performance

McIlroy finished the U.S. Open with a 3-under 67 in the final round, marking a significant improvement from his previous rounds. He carded six birdies and just three bogeys, showcasing his potential to compete at the highest level. His driving was particularly impressive, averaging 321.5 yards in the final round and leading the field with a 330.3-yard average for the tournament.

Looking Ahead to Portrush

McIlroy is eager to return to Portrush, where he hopes to sync his mental and physical game. Reflecting on his 2019 experience, he acknowledged the emotional impact of playing in front of his home crowd. "I didn't realize how emotional I was going to be at Portrush," McIlroy said. "I need to just get myself in the right frame of mind to feel those feelings again."

Challenges and Motivation

Since completing his career Grand Slam at the Masters, McIlroy has faced difficulties maintaining his top form. He missed the cut at the RBC Canadian Open and struggled at the PGA Championship. However, he remains motivated for The Open Championship. "If I can't get motivated to get up for an Open Championship at home, then I don't know what can motivate me," he stated.

Preparation and Strategy

McIlroy plans to take a couple of weeks off to recharge before the tournament. He aims to enter Portrush feeling refreshed and ready to compete. "Hopefully feeling refreshed and rejuvenated will get me in the right place again," he said.

Final Thoughts

McIlroy's recent performance at Oakmont has given him momentum heading into The Open Championship. With his physical game in good shape, the focus now is on mental preparation. "Physically I feel like my game's there. It's just mentally getting myself in the right frame of mind to get the best out of myself," McIlroy concluded.