Rory McIlroy was determined to savor every second of it.
The main attraction decided to stay alone when the Open Championship made its first appearance at Royal Portrush in 68 years six years ago. He made an effort to control what transpired during the week in his own world.
From his red-eye Monday practice round to being cheered on by thousands on the 72nd hole, he has embraced home comforts and accepted the adulation this week.
He has volunteered his time, signed numerous autographs, and acknowledged adoring fans between shots.
He even gave the Green Jacket a second chance for everyone to see.
He described a week that ended with nothing but his second Claret Jug. One of the most heartfelt rounds he has ever received was his consolation.
McIlroy admirably held it together as he strode towards the final green on Sunday. It was undoubtedly challenging.
McIlroy shot a two-under 69 to finish seven shots over Scottie Scheffler, saying, “I tried my best to keep my emotions in check, especially as I approached the last scene and that reception.”
“This week has been fantastic.” With the exception of a Claret Jug, I managed to get everything I wanted this week, mostly due to one person being a little bit better than the rest of us.
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McIlroy’s career served as a microcosm of his play. He occasionally did well (Saturday’s eagle on 12), but other times he did it solo (three bogeys in four holes on Thursday and a double on Sunday).
In the end, he overtook himself in the final round. McIlroy needed quick birdies to sway the crowd and make the frontrunner as uncomfortable as possible while Scheffler was six-six.
When McIlroy wasted two shots on the 10th, it was obvious the championship was beyond his reach, despite a two-under 34 on the front nine.
The energy was different from Saturday, and the slogan “keep your head up, Rory,” which was frequently heard, was a sign that something was up.
He continued, “I felt like I did well… today, eight, nine, and ten were the ones that killed me.”
What will McIlroy do after that?
The seventh-place tie-break set the tone for McIlroy’s unforgettable major season.
He realized a lifelong ambition and, in the end, won his career Grand Slam, which culminated with his career high at the Masters. His week was overshadowed by a failed driver test and his media shutout, but he barely made it to the top 50 at the US PGA Championship a month later.
At times during the US Open, he let his temper get in the way of him, but Portrush’s emotions were much more upbeat.
Before wrapping up his season with the FedEx Cup play-offs and the Ryder Cup in New York, he can now reflect on a downtime.
“I feel like returning to Europe for a while was a nice reset,” McIlroy said, adding that he will play light football and be “fresh” for Europe’s effort to retain the Ryder Cup.

Scheffler, the bar you’re attempting to reach
During his final press conference in Portrush, McIlroy was eager to commend Scheffler. Scheffler has responded to the Northern Irishman’s victory at Augusta by double his major tally and adding two more legs to his own slam hunt.
This week, Scottie and I couldn’t hang out. He is a fantastic player. This week, he has been dominant. Sincerely, he has been in charge for a while. We are all attempting to reach him with this bar.
“In a historical context, you could argue that only two or three players have gone on a run, like Scottie has been for the past 24 to 36 months,” said one player. Amazingly impressive.
McIlroy was then questioned about the potential future Opens at Portrush after burying the pain of the year.
“I believe Portrush has quickly become one of the top two or three venues where The Open takes place. Every player you speak to this week won’t say a word about the golf course in a negative way.
The R&, A have worked so well with the local government to ensure everything runs smoothly, I just think the way it sets up, logistically speaking.
“It has only been six years since 2019,” the statement continued. Although it would be nice to see Portrush hold The Open every six years, I would appreciate it for the long run.
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Source: BBC
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