The Open 2025: Rory McIlroy hoping to repeat Masters magic with win at Portrush

Rory McIlroy says the prospect of winning The Open Championship at Royal Portrush as just as emotional as his victory at the Masters earlier this year.

The Northern Irishman made history in April by completing the career Grand Slam, becoming just the sixth man to win all four major championships after a dramatic playoff win over Justin Rose at Augusta.

Now, as The Open returns to Royal Portrush, McIlroy says a win on home soil would carry even greater emotional weight.

“It would be amazing,” the 36-year-old told BBC Sport NI. “I think it would be just as emotional, if not more emotional than Augusta – and everyone saw the mess I was after that.

“It would be absolutely incredible. I’m so grateful and appreciative of the support I get from home and they really make me feel that out there.”

The five-time major winner famously missed the cut when The Open was last held at Portrush in 2019, crumbling under pressure after a disastrous opening round that began with an out-of-bounds tee shot and ended in a quadruple-bogey eight.

“But this time, McIlroy believes he is far more prepared – both mentally and technically – for the challenge.

Familiar turf for Rory McIlroy.

Watch his press conference in full. pic.twitter.com/aBgS5xEFaa

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 14, 2025

“I’m so happy it’s back so soon because I want to have another crack at it,” he said. “I didn’t have the week I wanted in 2019. I’m a better player, manage my game better, and even if I have an off day, it’s not going to be a 79 like it was on the first day in 2019.”

Reflecting on the pressure and expectations from fans in Northern Ireland, McIlroy admitted he didn’t handle the spotlight well the last time The Open came to Portrush.

But this week, he plans to take a different approach and connect more with the crowd.

“I think I probably tried to isolate, and I think it’s better for everyone if I embrace it,” he explained. “I think it’s better for me because it’s nice to be able to accept adulation, even though I struggle with it at times.

“But it’s also nice for the person that is seeing you for the first time in a few years. It just makes for a better interaction.”

Despite the pressure to perform in front of a home crowd, McIlroy remains confident in his game and is eager to rise to the occasion.

“There’s pressure internally to put on a show for everyone, but I know that if I just go out and play my game, I’m playing well enough to give myself a great chance.”