Rory McIlroy made sure to steer clear of press duties at the US Open after describing his press conference before the Canadian Open as the "most uncomfortable" he has felt in a year.
McIlroy had been scheduled to address the media at Los Angeles Country Club at 9am local time on Tuesday but decided against it after contacting the tournament's organisers on Sunday.
Ahead of the third major tournament of the year, which he won at Congressional in 2011, the four-time major champion is also not scheduled to speak on Wednesday.
READ MORE: Rory McIlroy awkwardly paired with Brooks Koepka for first two rounds at US Open
Speaking ahead of his title defense in the Canadian Open, McIlroy admitted he felt like a “sacrificial lamb” and still “hated” LIV Golf as he responded to the shock declaration of peace in golf’s civil war.
McIlroy and Tiger Woods had established themselves as the biggest supporters of the PGA Tour in its battle with LIV Golf, but were both kept in the dark about the stunning deal announced last week.
Fellow players reacted with surprise and a sense of betrayal at the news that the PGA Tour and DP World Tour were merging their commercial operations with the golf-related businesses of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which bankrolls LIV.
McIlroy, whose previously close friendship with Sergio Garcia broke down after the Spaniard joined LIV, said: “It’s hard for me to not sit up here and feel somewhat like a sacrificial lamb and feeling like I’ve put myself out there and this is what happens.”
Asked following his opening round if he felt more pressure on the golf course or off it, McIlroy said: “Off. You know, the most uncomfortable I’ve felt in the last 12 months was my press conference yesterday.”
McIlroy will partner another LIV player and US PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka in the first two rounds in Los Angeles, along with former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama.
On Tuesday the world number three was listed as starting a solo practice round at 6.45am local time.
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