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Rory McIlroy got snippy Wednesday with a reporter who appeared to insinuate that the six-time major champion isn’t working hard when he’s not playing in tournaments.
The exchange took place during a press conference before the Scottish Open, which began Thursday ahead of next week’s British Open at Royal Birkdale.
McIlroy was asked if he has to “work a bit harder to get up to speed or to shake off some rust” because he doesn’t play as frequently as he used to.
“Because we’ve also seen a couple of extra sessions from you on the range, haven’t we?” the reporter continued.
“Have you?” McIlroy replied.
“Augusta, one of the other majors, didn’t you have a storming session?” the reporter asked.
“What do you think I do in my off weeks?” McIlroy shot back.
“Not work that hard. Seems to come easy to you,” the reporter responded.
Rory McIlroy was not impressed at being questioned about his work ethic because he is playing in less events these days, "What do you think I do in my off weeks?" + "I work hard." pic.twitter.com/gwHqKdeMuj
— Chris McKee (@mrmckee) July 8, 2026“No, I work hard,” McIlroy said.
“So nothing more these days? Feeling rusty?” the reporter persisted.
“No,” McIlroy said flatly, ending the back and forth.
McIlroy, 37, completed the career grand slam when he finally won The Masters in 2025 and earned his second straight green jacket three months ago.
Before his first Masters title, he hadn’t won a major since 2014.
He followed up his second Masters triumph by finishing tied for seventh at the PGA Championship and tied for 32nd in the U.S. Open at Shinnecock last month.
McIlroy got off to a strong start at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland on Thursday, shooting a 5-under 65 to finish the first round in a four-way tie atop the leaderboard.
He began on the back nine with a mixed bag of two bogeys and three birdies before notching an eagle on the par-5 first hole. He then birdied on hole Nos. 7 and 8.
English (US)