Portrush (Northern Ireland), Jul 21 (AP) — Scottie Scheffler was making his way along the first fairway at Royal Portrush when an enthusiastic shout pierced the air from beyond the ropes: “Go Rory!” The supporters were out in full force on the Dunluce Links once again this Sunday, passionately cheering for Rory McIlroy, Northern Ireland’s favorite golf star, during the climactic moments of his much-anticipated homecoming, even if they weren’t all watching his every move.
McIlroy faced a bit of heartbreak, unable to give his fans the outcome they yearned for.
“It's been an awesome week,” McIlroy reflected after carding a 2-under 69 to finish tied for seventh at the British Open. “I've gotten everything I wanted out of this week apart from a claret jug, and that's just because one person was just a little bit better than the rest of us.” That might be an understatement.
Scheffler, currently the world No. 1, secured a four-shot victory to claim his fourth major title. He ended up seven strokes ahead of McIlroy, operating at an entirely different level in this picturesque setting in Northern Ireland.
McIlroy readily acknowledged the gap.
“He's an incredible player,” McIlroy admitted, speaking of Scheffler. “He's been dominant this week. Honestly, he's been dominant for the last couple years. He is the bar that we're all trying to get to.” As for Scheffler, he could only express his apologies for interrupting the McIlroy festivity.
“I know I wasn't the fan favorite today,” he quipped with a grin during his post-round remarks on No. 18, “but I did hear a lot of USA and Dallas, Texas chants.” Scheffler might have claimed two major titles this year and reinforced his position as the leading player in the game. Yet, 2025 still belongs to McIlroy in the eyes of many, following his dramatic victory at the Masters in April completing the career Grand Slam.
Fans turned out in droves this week to celebrate McIlroy's accomplishments, generating some of the most raucous cheers he’s ever experienced on a golf course.
Even if McIlroy didn’t quite deliver, Royal Portrush itself — where he famously posted a 61 as a 16-year-old to set the course record — certainly lived up to expectations, receiving widespread acclaim.
When the Open made its return to Portrush in 2019 after a 68-year hiatus, McIlroy was so overcome with emotion he drove his first shot out-of-bounds, shot a 79, and missed the cut. He redeemed himself six years later.
“I feel so thankful and just so lucky that I get to do this in front of this crowd,” McIlroy said. “Hopefully I'll have one or two Opens left here, if the R&A decide to keep coming back — probably one while I'm still competitive and another one while I'm more gray than I already am.”
McIlroy began Sunday six strokes behind Scheffler after a thrilling third round of 66, requiring nothing short of a miracle to catch his formidable opponent.
Although he birdied the par-5 second hole, he couldn’t ignite a quick enough surge. A bogey on No. 4, following an errant approach shot, was a costly error, and he soon found himself eight shots behind Scheffler, who played with his customary steadiness.
A double bogey at No. 10 ended McIlroy's hopes.
While McIlroy couldn’t replicate his Saturday heroics, he at least completed all four rounds this time.
“I tried as best as I could to keep my emotions in check, especially walking up the last there and that reception,” McIlroy remarked. “It's just been incredible to come back here and to play and at least feel like I had a chance today going out there. Just an awesome week.” (AP) APA APA
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