Entertainment
The Open: Rory McIlroy ready to embrace new major mountain after Grand Slam glory and chase home victory at Royal Portrush
Rory McIlroy missed the cut when The Open was last played at Royal Portrush in 2019; McIlroy plays in Northern Ireland for the first time since completing the career Grand Slam at The Masters; Can McIlroy enjoy more major success? Watch The Open live on Sky Sports Golf
Rory McIlroy conquered his golfing Everest by securing Grand Slam glory in April, but The Open provides an opportunity to climb another mountain and deliver more major redemption.
It is just over three months since McIlroy fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming the sixth player in history to complete the Grand Slam, ending an 11-year wait for an elusive fifth major title with a dramatic play-off victory at The Masters.
An emotional McIlroy sunk to his knees in tears after finally winning at Augusta National, securing the Green Jacket – in his 17th appearance – at an event where the annual narrative was previously dominated by his own past disappointments.
“What are we all going to talk about next year?” was how McIlroy opened his victory press conference on that dramatic Sunday, with attention since turning to how the world No 2 will move forward from a career-changing success.
McIlroy admitted to struggling for motivation in the events immediately after that win, failing to contend in the next two majors, but has since reset his focus towards this week’s opportunity to lift the Claret Jug on home soil.
“This was the tournament that was circled, even more so than The Masters,” McIlroy revealed in his pre-tournament press conference at Royal Portrush, where he added that it “means a lot” to be teeing it up again in Northern Ireland.
McIlroy has previously discussed the need for another mountain to climb after the win at Augusta National, with a homecoming – in front of record-breaking crowds – and the chance to bookend his major campaign with victories his next challenge.
The fairy-tale win – which would be his first as a professional in Northern Ireland – was initially predicted when this course last hosted The Open in 2019, where McIlroy failed to live up to his billing as pre-tournament favourite after a nightmare start.
McIlroy quadruple-bogeyed the par-four first hole and triple-bogeyed the last on his way to an opening-round 79, a staggering 18 shots worse than he managed when breaking the course record as a 16-year-old in 2005.
“I remember the ovation I got on the first tee on Thursday and not being prepared for it, not being ready for how I was going to feel or what I was going to feel,” McIlroy admitted ahead of this year’s event. “Then the golf on Thursday feels like a bit of a blur. I try to forget that part of it.”
McIlroy responded by firing a second-round 65 but still missed the cut, just the second time he had ever failed to reach the weekend of The Open, although feels better prepared to deal with expectation and pressure this time around.
“I want to do my best this week to enjoy everything that comes my way, enjoy the reaction of the fans and enjoy being in front of them and playing in front of them,” McIlroy explained. “But at the same time, I want to win this golf tournament, and I feel like I’m very capable of doing that.”
He has already enjoyed a hero’s welcome this week, seeing big crowds quickly gathering for his early-morning practice rounds on Monday and Tuesday, with McIlroy immersed in the added support heading his way.
“I think in 2019 I probably tried to isolate and I think it’s better for everyone if I embrace it,” McIlroy said. “It’s nice to be able to accept adulation, even though I struggle with it at times.
Entertainment
Djokovic learns fate in new home as Sabalenka addresses behaviour
Express Sport brings you the latest tennis news from the Paris Masters.
We’re reaching the business end of the Paris Masters, as eight players become four in the French capital. Jannik Sinner is the overwhelming favourite to lift the trophy after Carlos Alcaraz was dumped out by Cameron Norrie in the Spaniard’s opening match. Norrie was then beaten by Valentin Vacherot, whose amazing 10-match winning streak at Masters 1000 level came to an end when he lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Canadian star Auger-Aliassime will face Alexander Bublik in the semis. Bublik defeated Alex de Minaur, who is among those to have already qualified for the year-end ATP Finals. Sinner is through to his first Paris Masters semi-final after beating Ben Shelton. He’ll face defending champion Alexander Zverev, who survived a tough match against Daniil Medvedev.
Novak Djokovic is not involved in the Paris Masters, having decided to skip the event for the second year in a row, but he has learned his fate in the draw of next week’s ATP 250 in Athens. And over in Riyadh, the WTA Finals are about to get underway.
Entertainment
Strength in Style: Taylor Townsend’s Latest Photos Capture the Power of Confidence
Entertainment
Out But Not Down — Holger Rune’s Determined Message After Achilles Surgery Inspires Fans Worldwide
-
Entertainment9 months agoFreakin’ Hot Ski Racer Lindsey Vonn Holds Second-Highest Super-G World Cup Wins
-
Entertainment10 months agoEmma Raducanu Living a Luxury Life: A Rising Star’s Glimpse into the Glamorous World
-
Entertainment9 months agoBra-less Charley Hull turns head by showing off bright red body …’
-
Entertainment9 months agoLexi Thompson Flaunts Her Athletic Physique on the Cover of Golf Magazine
-
Entertainment8 months agoCharley Hull Sizzles in Style: The Golf Queen Turning Heads On and Off the Course
-
Entertainment9 months agoPaige Spiranac posts 15 private photos: Everyone is talking about
-
Entertainment9 months ago“Lexi Thompson showcases her stunning legs in stylish outfits.”
-
Entertainment9 months agoCharley Hull Hits the Beach After a Long Day of Golfing


