Rory McIlroy reveals why he's changed his phone number ahead of The Open

Rory McIlroy has revealed he decided to change his mobile phone number after his US Open heartache so he could stop receiving text messages from media members. 

McIlroy, 35, also disclosed that he missed a consolation text message from Tiger Woods as a result of changing his phone number.

Woods, 48, told the media during his own press conference that he waited a week to text McIlroy as he knew he would be feeling down.

McIlroy missed two short putts on the closing holes at Pinehurst No.2 lose by one shot to Bryson DeChambeau at the US Open last month. 

The World No.2 recently confirmed it took him five days to get over his latest near-miss at a major.

So much so, he headed off to New York with his family in a bid to 'find the joy' in the small things in life. 

McIlroy had filed for divorce with his wife Erica on the eve of the US PGA in May.

But he soon confirmed the couple had sorted out their differences and were back together again before the US Open. 

It's now coming up to a full 10 years since McIlroy last tasted major glory at the 2014 US PGA. 

McIlroy is hoping a change of perspective in his life - and not getting too hard on himself - will help pave the way for major success, starting at Royal Troon this week. 

Less text messages in his inbox may help, too. 

McIlroy told reporters on the eve of The Open: 

"Honestly, from the time I left Pinehurst to the time I walked through my front door on Sunday night, I probably got about 10 or 15 text messages from media members, and I was like, it's probably time to get a new number. Create a bit of space."

The Northern Irishman admitted to not having changed his phone number in years. 

"I actually haven't done it in a while, so I thought it was time, yeah," confirmed McIlroy. 

McIlroy will tee off in the 152nd Open Championship on Thursday morning alongside Tyrrell Hatton and Max Homa.

The trio will tee off at 10.09am BST.