Rory McIlroy cancels press conference ahead of Open at Royal Liverpool with no reason given… but the Northern Irishman practices fine with no fitness issues

Rory McIlroy has cancelled his scheduled press conference ahead of this week’s Open at Royal Liverpool.

The world number two and winner of the Genesis Scottish Open on Sunday had been due to speak to media to preview the final major of the year on Tuesday.

No reason was given as organisers announced on Monday this would now not be happening. There were no fitness issues as the Northern Irishman practised as normal after arriving at Hoylake.

‘We have been advised that Rory McIlroy will no longer be taking part in a preview press conference tomorrow morning,’ a statement read.

The move is not without precedent as the 34-year-old similarly cut back on his media commitments ahead of the US Open in Los Angeles last month.

No reason was given but the Northern Irishman was in good spirits as he practiced on Monday

He has recently rekindled his friendship with Sergio Garcia (right) after a disagreement over the LIV Tour

McIlroy has been the most vocal opponent of the Saudi-funded breakaway and said during the Genesis Scottish Open: ‘If LIV Golf was the last place to play golf on earth I would retire.’

He has fallen out with several golfers over the project but recently confirmed he is back on speaking terms with former friend Sergio Garcia, who opted to join the tour. 

He and Garcia rekindled their previously close friendship at the US Open last month, with the Spaniard saying during the LIV event at Valderrama that he had ‘gained a friend back’ following the proposed peace deal between golf’s rival factions.

McIlroy won the last of his four majors at Hoylake in 2014, the last time the Open was held on the Wirral links. He is one of the favourites for the tournament that begins on Thursday.