Rory McIlroy takes a dig at his critics, says there was ‘a lot of unsolicited advice’ coming his way after his US Open loss

Rory McIlroy recently criticized his critics for their 'unsolicited advice' following his defeat at the US Open. He stated that he prefers to figure things out on his own and isn't one to seek out suggestions.

McIlroy is at Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland this week looking to defend his Genesis Scottish Open title. This tournament marks his first event since the heartbreak at Pinehurst No. 2.

Rory McIlroy started strongly in his first round in over a month, carding a 6-under 65 on the opening day. Following the first round on Thursday, July 12, he took a swipe at his critics during a post-round interview.

"I've always liked to figure things out myself," he said. "I'm not really one to reach out for advice. Not to say that there was a lot of unsolicited advice coming my way but yeah, I've always tried to figure things out myself.

"Because then for me, I've always wanted to own it. I've always wanted to own my success and my disappointments, and I think figuring it out yourself and giving yourself that time is a good thing," he added.

Notably, the Northern Irishman was on the verge of winning his first major in ten years at Pinehurst. However, he missed two closed putts on the 70th and 72nd holes and also made three bogeys in the last five holes. Following this choke he decided to take a long break from the game and skipped a few events including the Travelers Championship.

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When will Rory McIlroy resume playing at the Genesis Scottish Open on Friday?

Rory McIlroy is grouped with Robert Macintryre and Viktor Hovland for the second round of the Genesis Scottish Open. The trio will begin the second round on Friday, July 12 at 8:43 am ET from the first tee.

McIlroy is tied for 21sth after shooting 65 in the opening round and is 3 strokes behind leader Justin Thomas. The 35-year-old golfer made five birdies, two bogeys, and an eagle in the first round.

The second round of the Genesis Scottish Open will start at 2 am ET with Samuel Stevens, Nick Bachem, and Alex Fitzpatrick teeing off from the first hole. Adam Hadwin, Darius Van Driel, and Yuto Katsuragawa will begin their round from the tenth tee.