Rory McIlroy won’t be in short supply of support at the Amgen Irish Open, but he is intent on ensuring he harnesses it to his advantage amid the “added pressure” of performing on home soil.
The four-time Major Champion is the inevitable star attraction as he returns to DP World Tour action for the 69th edition of the island of Ireland's national open, this year held in his home County at Royal County Down.
McIlroy is bidding for a second Irish Open crown this week after claiming victory at The K Club in 2016 and, while he is delighted to be playing in front of loyal local fans once again, he hopes his performance matches their enthusiasm.
“It's a bit of a double-edged sword,” he said in a pre-tournament press conference on Wednesday. “I get the buzz, but I also feel the added pressure of trying to perform at home – something I've honestly struggled with in the past."
McIlroy missed the cut when the Irish Open visited County Down in 2015, and likewise when The Open Championship made a long-awaited return to Northern Ireland at Royal Portrush in 2019.
“You know, the couple Irish Opens that I've played in Northern Ireland, the one Open Championship I played in Northern Ireland, hasn't gone so well," he added.
"It's on me to try and relax and go about my business as I would at any other time of the year. It's great to play in front of them (the fans) but I have to manage my own little world around me to try to get the best out of myself as well."
Rory + Royal County Down 😍#AmgenIrishOpen pic.twitter.com/cChVhKMOqh
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 11, 2024
While the 17-time DP World Tour winner knows Royal County Down better than most, having also played there as an amateur for Great Britain & Ireland in the 2007 Walker Cup, McIlroy is under no illusions about the challenge that awaits the field.
“Playing the Irish Open on arguably one of, if not the best golf course in the world in my eyes is a real treat,” he said of a venue that often tops polls on the best courses in the world.
“We don't get to play this calibre of golf course on tour, so to be able to play somewhere like this is amazing. Still have to refamiliarise myself, especially with some of the tee shots, having to get comfortable with your lines off tees."
McIlroy, who leads the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex, will play alongside defending champion Vincent Norrman and countryman Tom McKibbin over the opening two rounds.
When the Irish Open was last held in County Down, McIlroy was joined by a then emerging teenage golfer by the name of McKibbin, who now aged 21, has since won his maiden DP World Tour title last year and appeared at both the U.S. Open and The Open this summer.
It is a rise that McIlroy has witnessed and played his part in, supporting the fellow Holywood native where possible.
"It's been amazing to just to watch his journey and see him grow from that little boy and come up and be a European Tour winner, and getting to play practise rounds with him at Major Championships now. It's really cool.
"It's cool to feel like I've had a tiny part in that journey in some way...
"I think he knows what he needs to do, and he's a very mature young man. So you know, I don't think he needs much advice from me, but if he ever does feel like he needs it, he always knows that I'm here.
"I'm excited to play competitively with him these next couple of days, and you know, it will be a great atmosphere out there, and I'm sure we'll both enjoy it.
McIlroy was the subject of much spectator interest during Wednesday's practice day, including the Pro-Am, and he remains proud to be an inspiration for the next generation of golfers.
"I understand, it's hard to get to everyone but I try to make an effort, especially when I come back here," he said.
"I don't get to play competitive golf very often back here. So I certainly appreciate the support that I get.
"And yeah, as you said, to see so many youngsters out there, it's great to see. I try to make sure that they know that it's appreciated and hopefully I can give them something to aspire towards in the future if golf is what they want to do."
