Rory McIlroy suffers home pressure ahead of Irish Open

Rory McIlroy, right (Getty images)

Rory McIlroy admitted that he is feeling the pressure ahead of the Irish Open at Carton House, which begins tomorrow, as he tries to win his first title of the year.

The Northern Irishman, said he had struggled to meet fans' growing expectations.

"I've felt suffocated in a couple of Irish Opens, what with the burdens and the expectations to do well," he said. "Of course, it's much better having the fans rooting for you than people rooting against you, so it's a great privilege to have."

He also revealed he will travel to Muirfield for a practice round at the Edinburgh course in the week before next month's Open.