Rory McIlroy gives honest reaction to dominant Scottie Scheffler victory at The Open - McIlroy fell short in front of home support at Royal Portrush, but admits Scheffler inspires him with the level h

Rory McIlroy's choke at the 2019 Open was inexplicable. Unless you ask one of the expert psychologists who studied it.

Six years after his emotional missed cut at Royal Portrush, McIlroy stuck around for four days of heavy praise from the hometown crowd, which showered McIlroy all the way through his 10-under performance and T-7 finish.

By completing the career Grand Slam, many important figures stressed that Rory McIlroy is now the greatest of this sport.

Rory McIlroy stayed true to his word. On the eve of the 153rd Open Championship, he said that he is now a complete enough player that he can play poorly and still compile a first round that affords him a chance.

McIlroy has failed to win majors before. He lost a four-shot lead in the final round of the 2011 Masters with an 80 (that was more a slow bleed, though no less difficult to watch).

This now makes 16 PGA Tour victories for McIlroy when trailing after 54 holes, by far the most since his first title back in 2010. Golf Players Championship analysis: What to know about Rory ...

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks to the 11th green during the first round of the 125th U.S. OPEN at Oakmont Country Club on June 12, 2025 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania.

Rory McIlroy has had a "pretty average" U.S. Open, the Masters champion acknowledged. McIlroy said his tie for 49th on the leaderboard after shooting 10-over par at Oakmont isn't particularly ...

Not for Rory McIlroy. "It's such a battle in your head of trying to stay in the present moment and hit this next shot good and hit the next shot good," McIlroy said. "That was the battle today.