Say goodbye to Rory McIlroy’s curly hair because he shaved it off ahead of the Genesis Scottish Open.
The Northern Irishman unveiled a new cut on Wednesday morning, and it made many fans do a double-take.
A few golf outlets tweeted out the photo, and it is among the many reasons the five-time major winner went viral this week.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
McIlroy’s comparison of elite athletes during his press conference and the persimmon driver he received for completing the grand slam were also among the news that people couldn’t stop discussing.
McIlroy’s signature curly hair has been part of his brand, whether he admits it or not.
Now, he no longer resembles himself, and the trolls enjoyed making fun of his lack of hair.
One X, formerly Twitter, user wondered if his toddler, Poppy, cut it for him.
Some people didn’t think the child did it, but himself. “With all that money, you’d think he wouldn’t have to cut it himself,” another fan joked.
Many fans commented that his hair change made him appear significantly older than 36. “Well, he looks 20 years older.”
Some people thought he looked like the iconic character, Mr. Bean.
However, outside the Poppy comment, this reaction from X user Cill Chainnigh may be the best one.
McIlroy has not had the easiest time since winning the Masters and career grand slam. Regaining that confidence he had in Augusta has not been the easiest thing to do.
It has been a roller coaster of emotions for him, and it also seemed like a stressful time.
The issues began at Quail Hollow for the PGA Championship, where his driver was non-conforming. He skipped the media after the news broke and did not speak again until the RBC Canadian Open.
The 2023 Scottish Open winner would go on to miss the cut in Canada and post his worst finish in his long PGA Tour career.
At the U.S. Open, McIlroy received more criticism for his comments on the media. He finished T19.
A couple of weeks later, at the Travelers Championship, he made more comments about the media. Still, McIlroy finally recorded his first top 10 since the Truist Championship in May with a T6.
Maybe McIlroy is on the rise again as the final major championship approaches in his home country. Not to mention, he could be finding form for the playoffs and the upcoming Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
However, if he does not play well this week at the Scottish Open, fans will likely blame the new haircut and not let him forget about it.
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