McIlroy Hid From Media Frenzy

Rory McIlroy’s victory at the US Open had a profound effect on the young golfer’s career. Not only did the Irishman become the youngest person in almost ninety years to win the esteemed contest, he was forced into the same media circus that the likes of Wayne Rooney, Andy Murray, and Freddie Flintoff were drawn into after becoming icons of their respective sports.

However, while Beckham and David Haye have had plenty of practice at evading the tabloids, McIlroy, as a youngster was overwhelmed by the bursting of flashbulbs.

“Because of what happened at [the US Open], and the way it became such a big deal, I wanted to get everything out of the way,” he said.
McIlroy took a hiatus from golf in the wake of his US Open victory, to escape the attention of the media, a move that has been criticised by Scottish player, Colin Montgomerie. Posting on his website, McIlroy said: “I didn’t touch a club for 10 days after the US Open”.

The Ulsterman, having now missed the French and Scottish Opens, will return to the sport at the Open Championship, direct from his victory at the US Open. The British Open golf betting suggests he could make it back to back Majors.

The 22-year-old spent two days playing at the Royal St. George’s on Tuesday and Wednesday, in preparation for his fifth British Open since 2007. The young prodigy achieved a third place finish in 2010, a marked improvement over the previous year, when he tied in 47th position. McIlroy, if his countrymen, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke, are to be believed, will be a force to be reckoned with at next week’s Open. Those placing a Betfair bet on golf should remember this.

“Only two players have made me go ‘wow’ when they hit the ball — Tiger and Rory”, Clarke said. However, McIlroy may first have to contend with a frenzied media, before he can even think about playing golf.