Rory McIlroy reaction to latest major disappointment at The Open sums him up

23 July 2023 , 18:45

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Rory McIlroy is remaining optimistic after The Open (Image: Getty Images for HSBC)

Rory McIlroy remained optimistic following his tied-sixth finish at the Open Championship, despite his drought for a major victory continuing.

The Northern Irishman headed into the week as strong favourite, having secured his second victory of the year at the Scottish Open last Sunday. McIlroy was also heading to the course in which he had won his last Open title back in 2014 in Royal Liverpool.

Despite a valiant effort from the world No. 2 it was once again not to be on the big stage, as he finished seven shots behind eventual champion Brian Harman, securing his seventh top 10 placing in his last eight majors. Whilst McIlroy is no doubt in form, his wait for a fifth major crown goes on.

His last came nine years ago, after he secured his second PGA Championship at Kiawah Island ahead of Phil Mickelson back in 2014.

On the back of that victory, nobody in the golfing world would have expected the wait for his next would take so long, and after another missed opportunity, McIlroy is about to head into his 10th campaign without a major triumph. In that time there is no questioning that the 34-year-old has won just about everything else on offer.

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And McIlroy was quick to make that point, whilst also aiming to add more success in the upcoming FedEx Cup, the Race to Dubai and the Ryder Cup in the coming months. Quizzed on whether his near-10-year drought is something he stews on, McIlroy responded: "I don't think that way.

Rory McIlroy battled in tough conditions at Hoylake (Getty Images for HSBC)

"I think about trying to go and win a fourth FedExCup here in a couple weeks' time, go try and win a fifth Race to Dubai [DP World Tour Championship], go and win a fifth Ryder Cup. I just keep looking forward." With four months to go in his season, McIlroy has every chance to tick off his remaining aims.

Having been crowned champion last August, McIlroy currently finds himself third in the FedEx Cup standings, behind Masters champion Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler. On the DP World Tour, the Northern Irishman is the man to catch, as he sits top of the rankings ahead of Rahm in second.

McIlroy will also be action at Marco Simone at the beginning of October, where he will play a starring role in Europe's Ryder Cup side. McIlroy and co will be out for redemption on home soil, having fallen to a record-breaking defeat to their American rivals in Wisconsin two years ago.

Joshua Lees