Rory McIlroy has not been himself since winning the Masters, with the Northern Irishman shirking media appearances and struggling on the course, leading to a difficult U.S. Open week
12:52 ET, 15 Jun 2025Updated 12:52 ET, 15 Jun 2025
Rory McIlroy and wife Erica Stoll are set to move their family from Florida back to the UK(Image: Getty Images)
SiriusXM’s U.S. Open announcers speculated that Rory McIlroy’s impending move from Florida to Wentworth, UK, with wife Erica Stoll could be playing a part in his on-course woes.
On Saturday at Oakmont, McIlroy carded a disappointing four-over 74 to fall to 10-over. It’s been a frustrating week for the reigning Masters champion, who is still coming down from the incredible high of completing the career Grand Slam.
McIlroy has shown flashes of anger during his U.S. Open rounds; during his second round on Friday, the Northern Irishman threw a club and smashed a tee box. Following his third round, he lashed out at the media.
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When he tapped in to card his four-over round, SiriusXM’s U.S. Open Championship broadcast team featuring play-by-play callers Taylor Zarzour and Brian Katrek alongside analysts Steve Melnyk and Brendon de Jonge speculated why McIlroy might be struggling. They wondered if it was off-course issues distracting him.
“Rory McIlroy finishes at 10-over. Never say never, but it’s going to be difficult from back there,” Zarzour said.
“No, and he’s just not playing well,” Melnyk added. “He doesn’t seem like himself. I know he won the Masters, and that is such a big accomplishment for him, achieving the grand slam and completing it all after all those years.
“But it’s clear to see Rory’s not himself. I don’t know if there’s something going on off the course, but he doesn’t seem himself.”
Rory McIlroy has endured a torrid run of form since winning the Masters(Image: Getty Images)
Kaltrek then suggested it might be due to McIlroy’s impending move: “Well, he is moving his family near to Wentworth this week. Moving can take a lot out of you, so maybe it has affected his game.
“You’d like to think he’s going to be back and up for the Open at Portrush, a course he knows well.”
McIlroy did not mention his move as a source of frustration when he spoke to the media for the first time in six major championship rounds on Saturday.
Asked if the reason he was not showing up to speak following rounds was his poor form, the 36-year-old said: “No, not really. It’s more a frustration with you guys.”
He then outlined his goals for Sunday. With a sixth major title off the table, McIlroy isn’t looking for a lot: “Hopefully a round in under four and a half hours and get out of here.”
McIlroy appeared in a better mood ahead of his final round on Sunday. Speaking to NBC, he said he’s excited to see who can come out on top: “You’ve got a mix of youth and experience at the top of the leaderboard. Obviously, Adam is up there, which is a great storyline, but then there is Sam and JJ and Viktor.
“I’m excited to watch this afternoon. It’s going to be a really interesting day of golf and hopefully I can go out there and shoot a good score and enjoy the show like everyone else this afternoon.”
