Rory McIlroy says he plans to take some time off to be with his wife Erica Stoll and their daughter Poppy as he finally looks to savour his Masters triumph, taking a break from golf following a disappointing week at the Open. The world number two finished one-under-par at Royal Birkdale and admitted he was "stuck in neutral" throughout his four rounds at the competition.
McIlroy was impressive with the driver in hand, but his iron play failed to match that standard. The reigning Masters champion also struggled to find his rhythm on the putting surfaces and will now miss the 3M Open in order to be with his family.
Reflecting on the Season
Nevertheless, having claimed the Masters for a second time in April, he can look back on a fruitful year, despite his displays in the past three majors falling short of expectations. He said: "I was just sort of stuck in neutral for most of the week. Even par over the weekend is not going to get it done.
"I just felt like any time I got a little bit of momentum out there, I seemed to make a bogey. It was just one of those weeks I couldn't get it going.
"This season feels very similar to last season. Obviously I won the first major of the year and fell off a little bit after that – but any time you win a major in a year, you have to be pleased about that.
"I haven't really taken the time to enjoy that or celebrate that. Poppy's got another four weeks off school until she goes back, so I'm just going to enjoy the summer holidays with her and Erica. That's what I'm looking forward to the most."
Selective Scheduling
McIlroy, a six-time major champion, has previously stated he now feels able to be more selective with his tournament schedule than in years gone by. Asked whether it was accurate that the thought of competing week after week on the PGA Tour no longer got his "juices flowing", the 37-year-old told reporters: "Yes, that's fair.
"I think it just sort of ebbs and flows. There's been years where I've given it maybe more of my attention and years that I haven't.
"I guess I'm just at a stage that I have other things that I prioritise. I came to that decision last year and I'm just sort of doing the same thing."
Bryson DeChambeau Remarks
McIlroy turned heads on Saturday with some sharp remarks about Bryson DeChambeau's behaviour after the American received a two-shot penalty for improving his lie by treading down long grass near his ball. The Northern Irishman admitted he was "not particularly fond of" DeChambeau and accused him of "performative" behaviour as he remonstrated with officials and then hit balls on the range after dark.
McIlroy was playfully asked whether he would welcome the idea of DeChambeau taking part in the Irish Open in September. He said: "I think that would be great for the tournament, absolutely. Having someone like Bryson at the Irish Open, yes, it would be great for the tournament."
