Rory McIlroy has vowed to change his behaviour and attitude toward others at The Open Championship this week, following an honest admission that he has not always treated people the right way during past tournaments.
The four-time major winner, who has faced mounting scrutiny both on and off the course in recent years, opened up about his personal conduct during a candid interview ahead of the 2025 Open at Royal Portrush. McIlroy admitted that the pressure and expectations surrounding his performances have occasionally led him to become closed off and less considerate toward fans, media, and even his support team.
“Looking back, I realise there were times I wasn’t as approachable or respectful as I should have been,” McIlroy said. “Whether it was a tough round or external distractions, I let those things affect how I interacted with others. That’s on me, and I take full responsibility.”
The 36-year-old Northern Irishman has often been seen as one of the most articulate and thoughtful voices in golf, but even he concedes that the demands of competing at the highest level can lead to emotional fatigue and misjudgements in personal interactions.
McIlroy, who has not won a major since 2014, enters The Open under intense pressure to end his decade-long drought. But rather than letting that define his week, he says he is focusing on being more present, more open, and more appreciative of the people around him—on and off the course.
“This week, no matter what happens, I want to be a better version of myself,” he said. “That means treating everyone with respect, being more mindful of how I carry myself, and remembering why I love this game in the first place.”
His remarks have already drawn praise from fellow players and commentators who see McIlroy’s self-awareness as a sign of growth and maturity.
With the eyes of the golfing world on Royal Portrush, McIlroy hopes that a renewed perspective can fuel both personal progress and professional success at a championship that holds deep meaning for him in his home country.
