Northern Irishman has moved on last month’s Pinehurst mishap and is optimistic for a fresh assault on the Open
Evidence of Rory McIlroy’s exalted status can arrive when you least expect. Ask him, for example, if anyone out of the ordinary got in touch in the aftermath of his excruciating conclusion to the US Open. McIlroy does not disappoint.
“Rafa Nadal and Michael Jordan,” he says. “Two of the most unbelievable competitors that have ever been in sport. MJ was maybe the first person to text me after I missed the putt on the 18th but both of them got in touch very, very quickly.