PORTURUSH, Northern Ireland – 12 hours after Rory McIlroy finished second at the Scottish Open near Edinburgh, the five-time major winner walked to Royal Portrush’s first tee with four hours of sleep at around 7am locally, starting their first practice ahead of this year’s Open Championship.
The fans were still full on the grounds and the other players were not visible as McIlroy was walking his path around the golf course. By the time he made his turn in the back nine, the crowd was growing, and this time full of people trying to witness McIlroy’s return home.
“I’m here in Portrush with my green jacket, perfecting that lifelong dream, so this week I’m doing my best to enjoy my path, enjoying the reactions of my fans, enjoying being in front of them and playing in front of them,” says McIlroy. “But at the same time, I want to win this golf tournament, and I feel I can do that.”
When the Open Championship came to the Open Championship in 2019, McIlroy said he wasn’t prepared for what an emotional experience it would be. After getting the egg shape on the first tee, McIlroy shot a tee shot from the boundary and hit an eight. He missed the cut. This week, McIlroy says he is taking a slightly different approach.
“I think I probably tried to isolate in 199,” McIlroy said. “And if I accept that, I think it would be better for everyone.”
On Monday, after three irons from the 18th tee, McIlroy spent plenty of time signing memorials for local fans, sinking into a birdie putt that pulled a decent size cheer from the gallery. He signed countless yellow pin flags and hats, but also signed the giant Northern Ireland flag featuring all four major championships, calling it “Legend of Rory.” One child extended a green suit jacket in a green tint that is much different from the Masters signed by McIlroy.
“I’m happy to be able to accept the admiration even though I struggle sometimes,” McIlroy said. “But that’s also great for those who’ve seen you for the first time in years. It’s just a better interaction and not trying to hide from it.”
It also helps that McIlroy has been playing his best golf since his historic Masters victory in April. With his last two starts, McIlroy finished T-6 last week with the Travelles Championship and T-2.
“The slightest change in the scenery was really amazing,” McIlroy said. “I’m excited about where my game is. I felt like I had a really good sign last week. I feel like I’m in a good place.”
Portrush’s demands this week will be sudden, whether wind, rain, or just pure difficulty on the course, but McIlroy says he’s in a much better headspace for him to challenge. After falling well below his level in the PGA Championship and making a start and start at the US Open, McIlroy himself admitted he was struggling with motives following the much-anticipated Masters victory. However, this is open at home.
“When I was looking at the 2025 calendar, this was a tournament that was even more circled than the Master,” he said. “I did what I told everyone I wanted to do, but it seems like I still feel like I can give more… I still feel like there’s a lot left there. The story certainly isn’t over.”