Rory McIlroy: World number three ‘hopeful’ over PGA & PIF merger amid new talks

McIlroy was speaking ahead of this week’s Irish Open at Royal County Down, where he headlines the field in his first competitive appearance on home soil since the 2019 Open at Royal Portrush.

McIlroy missed the cut that week, as he did when the Irish Open last visited Royal County Down in 2015, and admits he has struggled with the pressure of performing in front of his home fans in the past.

“I’ve had to learn over the years how to manage my week when I come home,” the four-time major winner told BBC Sport NI.

“I’m trying so hard to perform in front of the home fans but then if I push too hard it’s detrimental to my game.”

McIlroy, whose sole Irish Open triumph came at the K Club in 2016, added: “It’s about managing all those emotions and getting lost in my own little world and not trying to do anything I wouldn’t normally do.

“Just go out there and play the best golf that I can and not get too frustrated when things don’t go my way. If I can do that then I think I’ll be OK.”

On what it would mean to win in Northern Ireland, he added: “It would be extra special.

“I think after the year I’ve had and the close calls, I’ve won three times and I’ve had to remind myself of that, but after everything that went on this summer and being so close to winning the US Open and being close at the Olympics as well, it would be a nice way to forget about those things and move on.”