Amanda Balionis mocked Rory McIlroy live on CBS Sports, highlighting his failed haircut following the third round of the Genesis Scottish Open.
McIlroy is tied in first heading into Sunday’s finale, as the Northern Irishman appears to have benefited from some family time after a short break from golf. McIlroy is 11-under-par through three rounds and seems to have rediscovered his form ahead of the Open Championship.
However, McIlroy’s haircut is much shorter than fans are used to, and Balions pressed him on the new style. During a comedic interview at The Renaissance Club, McIlroy admitted that he wrongly assumed that a shorter style would hide his gray hairs.
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“You seem a little lighter, and it might be because of the haircut,” Balionis said to McIlroy as he wore a cap during their interview. “Can you just take the hat off for us? What happened there, Rory?”
McIlroy begrudgingly removed his hat to present a very short haircut, and said: “You know, I’m getting a little gray as everyone probably knows. I stupidly thought that by going shorter, it would take the grays out.
“If anything, I think it makes me look more gray. But it’ll grow back, that’s the good thing. It’ll be the perfect length for the Ryder Cup in September.”
While the Ryder Cup is considered the premium event, McIlroy will be desperate to win the Open Championship on July 20. The 153rd edition of the British Open will be held at the Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland for the third time, McIlroy’s home course.
McIlroy admitted to feeling frustrated after winning the Masters earlier this year, which saw him complete the golfing Grand Slam. He has since enjoyed a reset and has shaken the rust off at the Genesis Open.
“I think over these last couple of weeks, coming back over here, seeing people that I know that I haven’t seen since Augusta, having conversations about how people felt watching it, obviously rekindles how I felt playing,” McIlroy said.
“It’s been nice to have these couple of weeks to reflect, as well as rekindle my excitement and enthusiasm for the rest of the year. We have this week in Scotland and a massive week next week in Portrush.
“I’m excited for the rest of year,” McIlroy concluded. Although the World No. 2 has rediscovered his excitement, his form has also returned.
In an interview with Mirror U.S. Sports on Saturday, McIlroy admitted that he’s playing at a similar level to when he won the Masters. “I think… I think I’m just back to… pretty close to being back to the level I was at going into the Masters,” he said.
“I think i’ve had a little bit of a lull, which is understandable. I just feel like I’m getting back to the level I can play at.”
