Rory McIlroy, the 2025 Masters champion, is looking to secure his second U.S. Open title at Oakmont, where he previously won in 2011.

However, McIlroy's recent press conference raised concerns, with commentators noting a worrying lack of energy and vitality in his demeanor.

He has openly acknowledged his struggles since winning the Masters, admitting he did not expect the challenges that would follow his victory.

This shift in attitude is evident when comparing his current mindset at Oakmont to the driven approach he displayed during the Masters.

Since his Masters win, McIlroy's tournament results have been inconsistent, including finishes of T-12, T-7, T-47, and a missed cut at the RBC Canadian Open.

His behavior has notably changed since ending an 11-year major championship drought, leading to questions about his focus and motivation.

At the U.S. Open press conference, he expressed feelings of uncertainty about the next phase of his career, indicating he is taking it tournament by tournament.

Despite his recent successes, McIlroy admitted to lacking a clear five-year plan and is currently focused on upcoming tournaments.

Nevertheless, he remains determined to regain his focus, stating he aims to 'forget about what happened six weeks ago' as he prepares for the U.S. Open.

While concerns about his motivation persist, there is belief that McIlroy has the ability to quickly regain focus and confidence.

Overall, McIlroy's low energy and current struggles are uncharacteristic, indicating that a reset may be necessary, though it might not occur during the U.S. Open.

Nick Faldo highlighted the emotional toll of McIlroy's Masters victory, suggesting that the pressure from such a significant win can impact subsequent performances.