Rory McIlroy responded curtly to a reporter on Wednesday who questioned his work ethic during periods when he is not competing in tournaments. The exchange occurred during a press conference ahead of the Scottish Open, which began Thursday, two days before the start of the British Open at Royal Birkdale.
The reporter asked McIlroy if he needed to "work a bit harder to get up to speed or to shake off some rust" due to playing less frequently. When pressed further about seeing McIlroy on the range for "extra sessions," the golfer asked, "What do you think I do in my off weeks?"
The reporter replied, "Not work that hard. Seems to come easy to you." McIlroy shot back, "No, I work hard." His terse response of "No" ended the line of questioning.
McIlroy, 37, secured his career grand slam with a victory at The Masters in 2025 and won a second consecutive green jacket this past April. Prior to his first Masters title, his last major win was in 2014. Following his second Masters victory, he tied for seventh at the PGA Championship and tied for 32nd at the U.S. Open last month.
McIlroy started the Scottish Open strongly on Thursday, finishing the first round with a 5-under 65, placing him in a four-way tie for the lead. He began his round on the back nine with two bogeys and three birdies before an eagle on the par-5 first hole. He added further birdies on holes seven and eight.