McIlroy's Major Ambition
Rory McIlroy Expresses Optimism for British Open Despite Recent Setback, Targets Seventh Major Win
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Rory McIlroy, the world No. 2, is heading into the 154th British Open at Royal Birkdale with cautious optimism — but he admits his mood swings. Asked if he feels better about his game, McIlroy quipped: "Depends what hour of the day you get me!" Golf Week reported. The Northern Irishman missed his first cut in 78 starts at the Genesis Scottish Open last week, snapping a streak of nearly four years without a missed cut.
Still, McIlroy put in work on his game after the Scottish Open stumble and says he feels better heading into The Open. He has eight top-10 finishes in 16 career starts at the championship — a record that shows he belongs in the conversation, according to Yahoo Sports.
A Missed Cut Ends a Historic Streak
McIlroy's missed cut at the Genesis Scottish Open was a sharp blow. It was his first missed cut in 78 tournament starts — a streak spanning almost four years. The miss stopped momentum he had been building through the 2025 season, according to Yahoo Sports UK.
Despite the stumble, McIlroy still finished T-7 in his last full competitive week before the Scottish Open. He has shown consistent top-10 form in 2025, with multiple strong finishes across his 16 starts this season, per AOL Sports.
McIlroy's Royal Birkdale Record Gives Him Reason to Believe
The Open returns to Royal Birkdale for the first time since 2017. That year, McIlroy finished T-4 — his best result at that course. He has eight top-10s in 16 career Open Championship starts. That kind of track record makes him a serious threat no matter how his week is going, according to Golf Week.
McIlroy is still chasing his fifth major title and his first since the 2014 PGA Championship. A win at Royal Birkdale would give him seven career majors overall — a number that would cement his place among the all-time greats.
Post-Scottish Open Work Has McIlroy Feeling Encouraged
After the missed cut, McIlroy did not sulk. He went straight to work on his game. He said the practice sessions gave him a clearer picture of what he needs to do. The result? A more settled mindset heading into the year's final major, per Yahoo Sports Canada.
His comment about mood depending on "what hour of the day you get me" captures where he stands — honest about the ups and downs, but still believing a run is possible. McIlroy said he remains hopeful about competing deep into the weekend at Royal Birkdale.
What to Watch for at The 154th Open Championship
McIlroy enters the week ranked No. 2 in the world. Royal Birkdale suits his ball-striking style — long, open fairways reward power and accuracy off the tee. His history at the course backs that up. The question is whether he can keep his confidence steady across four rounds, according to Golf Week.
If McIlroy can string together a solid first round, the mental reset from his post-Scottish Open work could carry him deep into contention. With eight top-10s at The Open already on his resume, the stage is set for another strong run — if the right hour of day sticks around all week.
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