The Northern Irishman previously claimed not to care about Opens and named the Masters as the biggest tournament in golf, yet his most recent comments would appear to suggest otherwise

A year ago, McIlroy skipped the Travelers and got lost by himself in Manhattan for a few days following his devastating U.S. Open loss at Pinehurst. This time, McIlroy is trying to recover from the intensity of what’s come with his Masters victory in April, which completed the career Grand Slam.

Rory McIlroy had another disappointing showing at the U.S. Open at Oakmont this weekend, but he's finding inspiration as he looks to the next major event.