RORY MCILROY has held a press conference ahead of the Travelers Championship at TPC Cromwell.
It’s the first time he’s spoken with the press after he slammed them in his post-US Open presser last week at Oakmont.
The world number two is set to play in the final ‘Signature’ event of the PGA Tour season in Connecticut.
McIlroy, who endured a disappointing final round at Oakmont after barely making the cut had declined to give interviews earlier in the major week.
Down native McIlroy tried to justify the decision as he insisted that he had “earned the right” to speak on his own terms.
He said of his brief blackout: “It’s just frustration with you guys [some sections of the media].
“I have been totally available for the past number of years.
“That [driver issue] was a part of it, but at Augusta, I skipped you guys on Thursday.
“It’s not out of the ordinary as I’ve done it before, but I am doing it a little more often.
“I feel like I’ve earned the right to do whatever I want to do.”
But he’s spoken ahead of a far less challenging test than Oakmont on Wednesday afternoon.
And the far more relaxed McIlroy joined the gathered media at the course ahead of Thursday’s start as reflected on his reset process after a challenging week in Pittsburgh.
He said: “I think everyone has got their own way of recovering from gruelling weeks. But I think they’re just the little habits that you pick up along the way.
“Wether it’s physical, mental or getting away from it – giving yourself a little bit of time to recharge.
“But, yeah it’s important to take care of yourself physically and mental – especially when there’s these big events – and there’s a lot of pressure and expectation.
“It is important to get away from all that as well.”
The 36-year-old went on to admit that he likes a glass of wine on a Sunday after and event before admitting he uses the Monday after and event to hit the ‘reset’ button.
The Down native gets his Travelers Championship underway on Thursday alongside 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley at 3:35pm IST.
All the action will be live on Sky Sports Golf.
