Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy poses with the annual Golf Writers Trophy, that he won in 2025, during practice for the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 15, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy speaks with his team on the driving range during practice for the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 15, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy reacts on the driving range during practice for the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 15, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy speaks with his team on the driving range during practice for the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 15, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy on the driving range during practice for the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 15, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy smiles on the driving range during practice for the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 15, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy smiles on the driving range during practice for the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 15, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

England's Matt Fitzpatrick plays from the from the 1st tee during practice for the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 15, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE