Open Championship: Rory McIlroy once again chooses to dodge the press ahead of major bid
- Planet Sport writer
- 18 July 2023
The recently-crowned Scottish Open champion has opted out of chatting to the media ahead of this week's Open, just like he did at last month's US Open.
Rory McIlroy has cancelled his scheduled press conference ahead of this week's Open at Royal Liverpool.
The world number two and winner of the Genesis Scottish Open on Sunday, had been due to speak to media to preview the final major of the year on Tuesday.
No reason was given as organisers announced on Monday this would now not be happening. There were no fitness issues as the Northern Irishman practised as normal after arriving at Hoylake.
"We have been advised that Rory McIlroy will no longer be taking part in a preview press conference tomorrow morning," a statement read.
The move is not without precedent as the 34-year-old similarly cut back on his media commitments ahead of the US Open in Los Angeles last month.
McIlroy won the last of his four majors at Hoylake in 2014, the last time the Open was held on the Wirral links. He is one of the favourites for the tournament that begins on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Sir Nick Faldo has urged McIlroy to exude confidence when he strides onto the Royal Liverpool course on Thursday.
"I felt that way when I came back to Muirfield in 1992 after winning in 1987. I was playing well, I was world number one, one of the favourites and all that and I thought 'yeah, this is my spot, I'm gonna defend winning at Muirfield'," he said.
"He's got to be feeling good going back to somewhere he's won before. He's playing well. I think the most important thing is he just wants to be a golfer right now, give me a bit of space, let me breathe, let me just go and play.
"He's one of the top few players in the world and it's probably a nice feeling for him - he knows if he plays really well he knows the names he's got to beat."
