The Travelers Championship begins on Thursday, but the golfing world is still dealing with the aftermath of the US Open as Rory McIlroy once again comes under the spotlight
Rory McIlroy has come under scrutiny after the US Open(Image: Ross Kinnaird, Getty Images)
The Travelers Championship is set to commence this Thursday, yet the golfing world is still reeling from the US Open drama. JJ Spaun proved an unlikely winner at Oakmont as he clinched his first major.
The prestigious Travelers Championship will tee off at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut. Newly-crowned US Open champion JJ Spaun is part of a stellar field that boasts 45 of the world’s top 50 golfers. Scottie Scheffler is tipped as the favourite to retain his crown, though he’ll likely encounter fierce competition from Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele and other top contenders.
In the run-up to the Travelers Championship, McIlroy’s recent approach to the sport at the US Open has sparked debate, while others are basking in their success at the US Open. Here’s a snapshot of the latest golf news as we gear up for the action in Cromwell.
Rory McIlroy’s behaviour raises eyebrows
Following his triumphant Masters victory in April, completing the career Grand Slam, Rory McIlroy’s subsequent major performances have seen him place T47 at the PGA Championship and T19 at the US Open. Yet, it’s McIlroy’s attitude and reduced media engagements that have raised concerns, particularly from ESPN presenter Scott Van Pelt, who expected the Grand Slam feat to have the opposite effect.
“I’m just baffled by what happened, like what’s going on?” Van Pelt said on SVPod. “People are going to speculate about his life. I will not do that. The man’s life is his own business.
“He mentioned after yesterday, like, ‘I climbed my Everest, and I’m trying to come down the mountain.’ And I get that. I, in my life, haven’t ever, nor will I ever have a monumental accomplishment such as that – finishing off the career Grand Slam. I don’t know what comes afterwards.
Rory McIlroy has struggled to find his best form since winning the Masters(Image: Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
“You wonder, is it like, ‘I don’t have anything to chase. I don’t have a hill to climb.’ But that doesn’t, to me, explain just the fact that his resting posture seems p***** off at everyone. And I’m just baffled by it.”
Van Pelt’s comments come in the wake of similar concerns from former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley. In an interview with Sky Sports, McGinley said: “He looks fed up to me, he looks like he’s had enough of everything. Whether it was the emotional release of everything that’s gone on, not just in winning the Masters but in his whole career being pointed towards trying to be a Grand Slam winner and now he’s kind of reeling on the ropes a bit after that. He’s not himself. This is not normal. “
Michael Kim teases JJ Spaun
Michael Kim has had a laugh at JJ Spaun’s expense shortly after his impressive US Open triumph. Spaun emerged as the sole player to finish under par as he claimed his first major win.
With a crucial birdie putt on the last hole securing his victory, the 34-year-old’s achievement has put a spotlight on the US Open champ. After arriving in New York for a chat show appearance, Kim couldn’t help but poke fun at Spaun for passing up his golfing duties.
“I thought the player meeting was MANDATORY for all players in the field,” quipped Kim on X. “Guy wins one major and starts breaking rules.”
Phil Mickelson takes a swipe
Phil Mickelson bowed out earlier than hoped at the US Open, failing to make the cut. Yet, the veteran six-time major winner has swiftly turned his attention to matters off the green, criticising San Francisco’s local bureaucrats.
The Californian has expressed his dismay at a study that named San Francisco the worst-run city in the nation. The WalletHub report assessed six key areas: financial stability, education, health, safety, economy and infrastructure and pollution, with San Francisco coming in last place, ranked 148th out of 148. cities
“This is really sad and disappointing,” lamented Mickelson on X. “It’s such a beautiful place to be ruined by poor leadership.”
The discouraging survey emerges just months after Daniel Lurie took over as mayor, having won a tight race against former mayor London Breed in the November elections.
Breakdowns of US Open payouts surface
James Nicholas participated in the US Open as one of 65 amateurs and sealed his spot for Oakmont with a victory in his New Jersey qualifier. Having made the cut, Nicholas claimed a T61 finish at the championship and reportedly raked in £32,364 ($43,544).
The Korn Ferry Tour player broke down his earnings on social media, explaining his outgoings which included flights, accommodation, and other costs, summing up to $2,186, on top of an additional $250 spent on official merchandise. Nicholas was compensated with a courtesy car hire and received complimentary golf balls, footwear, and more perks.
Nicholas forked out an additional $315 on groceries and $150 for a locker room bonus. His caddie was given a base salary of £1,858 ($2,500) along with an eight per cent prize money bonus amounting to £2,600 ($3,500).
Although the golfer reported his total expenses as £5,366 ($7,220), the figures provided tally up to £6,615 ($8,901). This implies that the amateur golfer’s earnings were either £26,998 ($36,324) or £25,748 ($34,643).
