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PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy made history earlier this year by completing the career Grand Slam with a victory at the Masters Tournament. He joined elite company—Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tiger Woods—as the only players to achieve this feat.
Despite that monumental win, McIlroy revealed that it’s The Open Championship, held this week in Northern Ireland, that holds a special place in his heart.
“When I was looking at the calendar for 2025, this was the tournament that was circled, even more so than the Masters,” said McIlroy after a practice round. “I’ve done something I’ve told everyone I wanted to do, but I still feel like I have more to give. The story certainly isn’t over.”
Returning to Royal Portrush as the reigning Masters champion is surreal for McIlroy.
“The fact that I’m here with the green jacket, having completed that lifelong dream, I want to enjoy this moment,” he said. “But at the same time, I want to win this golf tournament—and I feel like I can.”
McIlroy, who set the course record at Portrush with a 61 at just 16 years old, knows this venue well. However, his last Open at Portrush in 2019 didn’t go as planned, as he missed the cut after a rough opening.
“In ’19, I probably tried to isolate,” McIlroy admitted. “I think it’s better this time to embrace it.”
With top competition, including Scottie Scheffler—considered the best since Tiger Woods—the challenge is steep. But McIlroy is motivated by the home support and his current form.
2025 Open Championship Preview
Location: Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland
Dates: July 17–20, 2025
Defending Champion: Xander Schauffele
Prize Money: To be announced (2024 winner earned $3.1M)
Broadcast: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and highlights on BBC Two and iPlayer
Signature Holes at Royal Portrush
- Hole 5 – White Rocks: A stunning 372-yard par-four on a cliff edge.
- Hole 7 – Curran Point: A winding 590-yard par-five through dunes.
- Hole 16 – Calamity Corner: A 236-yard par-three with a dramatic drop-off.
Players to Watch
- Rory McIlroy: Seeking redemption at Portrush and his second Open title.
- Scottie Scheffler: World No. 1 with three wins in his last nine starts.
- Xander Schauffele: Defending champion, battling form and injury.
- Justin Thomas: In top form this year, still chasing an Open breakthrough.
- Tommy Fleetwood: 2019 runner-up at Portrush, hoping to go one better.
Weather Forecast
Dry and mostly sunny with occasional showers. Highs around 20°C.
Cut Rule & Playoff Format
- After two rounds, top 70 (plus ties) advance.
- Ties after 72 holes go to a three-hole playoff.
- If still tied, sudden death determines the winner.
