Rory McIlroy on the British Open 2025: “This Tournament was circled”

When Rory McIlroy walked the fairways of Royal Portrush at 7 a.m. on Monday morning, he was awake – but barely rested. The plan: head out early, before the course filled up, before the buzz kicked in.
“I got about four hours of sleep, so I’m looking forward to taking a nap after this,” said McIlroy. “I just wanted to get out early, sort of beat the rush, beat the crowd, and do my work with not a lot of people around.”

The place is familiar to him, but much has changed – not only on the course, but within himself. “Yeah, it means an awful lot,” McIlroy said when asked what it was like to return. “It’s weird, it doesn’t feel like six years has passed since 2019. I think it’s amazing that Portrush has this opportunity so soon after the last Open to host again.”

Returning with a Green Jacket in the bag and clarity in his mindset, McIlroy revealed: “When I was looking at the calendar for 2025, this was the tournament that was probably, I don’t know, circled, even more so than the Masters for different reasons.”

He’s been waiting for this one. pic.twitter.com/Va6ZK5FJx0

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 14, 2025

Back Where It All Began: Rory McIlroy Returns to The Open

It’s McIlroy’s first Open at Portrush since his difficult home appearance in 2019. Then, the expectations were immense – and the start rough. “I think I remember the ovation I got on the first tee on Thursday and not being prepared for it or not being ready for how I was going to feel,” McIlroy recalled. “Then the golf on Thursday feels like a bit of a blur. I try to forget that part of it.” But one image stands out: “I remember the run on Friday… I hit a 6-iron into the 14th, second shot, and I remember the roar from the crowd… walking up to that green and getting a standing ovation. It was really special.” This time, he’s determined to do things differently: “I think in ’19 I probably tried to isolate, and I think it’s better for everyone if I embrace it… not try to shy away from it or hide away from it, and I think that’ll make for a better experience for everyone involved.”

From Carnoustie to Royal Portrush.
The Open and Rory. Then, now and always. pic.twitter.com/XWHXPmJKCs

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 13, 2025

Goals After the Masters – What Comes After the Summit?

The win at the Masters in April was historic. Grand Slam complete. And then? “I’ve done something that I’ve told everyone that I wanted to do, but then it’s like I still feel like I have a lot more to give,” McIlroy said. “I probably just didn’t give myself enough time to let it all sink in.” He added: “That’s the nature of professional golf. They do a very good job of keeping you on the hamster wheel, and you feel like it’s hard to get off at times.” But recent results helped: “It’s been an amazing year. The fact that I’m here at Portrush with the green jacket… I want to win this golf tournament, and I feel like I’m very capable of doing that.”

Early Start, Clear Mind

Just hours after the Genesis Scottish Open, McIlroy arrived in Portrush. At dawn, he was on the first tee. “What I noticed about this golf course today… I have a real appreciation for how well bunkered it is off the tee,” McIlroy said. “There’s always one bunker or another bunker in play.” He also pointed out the sloping greens: “The greens are quite slopey here for a links golf course… you’re having to play two feet of break.” And the evolution of his playing style? “I think when I shot that 61 when I was 16, I had a little bit of a clue of what I was doing, but I certainly didn’t have as much of an understanding of the game or of my game as I do now.”

What counts now is readiness – and the will to go all the way:
“I want to do my best this week to enjoy everything that comes my way… But at the same time, I want to win this golf tournament.”

Rory McIlroys Pressekonferenz in Royal Portrush der Open

Familiar turf for Rory McIlroy.

Watch his press conference in full. pic.twitter.com/aBgS5xEFaa — The Open (@TheOpen) July 14, 2025