Rory McIlroy Sends Clear Message on The Open
The Open Championship returns this week to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, a course that last hosted the major in 2019. With the world's best players arriving to take on one of golf's toughest tests, all eyes are on hometown hero Rory McIlroy, who enters the week in solid form and with a clear message, he's here to win.
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Just a day after finishing second at the Scottish Open, McIlroy was back on the course at Portrush, starting his practice round on just four hours of sleep. The five-time major winner looked calm, steady, and reflective as he walked the same course where he once shot a record-setting 61 as a 16-year-old.
Rory McIlroy looks on on the tenth hole during the third round of the Truist Championship golf tournament. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
'The fact that I'm here at Portrush with the green jacket... I want to do my best this week to enjoy everything that comes my way,' McIlroy said, referencing his long-awaited Masters win earlier this year.
He admitted that after missing the cut in 2019, the emotional weight of playing at home caught him off guard.
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"I'm in a good spot and, had a, not the last week was a pure preparation week, but it definitely, feel like it put me in a good spot heading into here," McIlroy added.
McIlroy's recent results back up his optimism. He finished T-6 at the Travelers Championship before his runner-up finish last week. 'I'm excited with where my game is,' he said. 'I showed some really good signs last week. I feel like I'm in a good spot.'
As the wind and pressure build at Portrush, McIlroy knows what's at stake. 'This was the tournament that was circled, even more so than the Masters,' he said. 'I still feel like there's a lot left in there.'
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Related: Rory McIlroy and Wife Erica Stoll Move Past Divorce With Recent Development
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
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