Rory McIlroy Advocates for Muirfield's Open Championship Revival
Rory McIlroy has publicly endorsed the potential return of the Open Championship to Muirfield, the prestigious Scottish links course, despite his own disappointing performance there over a decade ago. The Northern Irish golfer, who famously described feeling "unconscious" and "brain dead" during the 2013 Open at Muirfield, where he missed the cut with rounds of 79 and 75, now believes the venue deserves a place back on the major tournament rota.
Overcoming Past Struggles at a Historic Venue
Reflecting on his experience at Muirfield in 2013, which he called possibly the "lowest point" in his professional career, McIlroy has since moved past that setback. He has since won an Open Championship and performed well in the tournament, viewing 2013 as a distant memory. The issues that once plagued Muirfield, such as its previous refusal to admit women—a policy changed in 2017—and low attendance, have been addressed, making it a strong candidate for future Opens.
Commercial and Logistical Considerations
McIlroy emphasised that Muirfield's return must make commercial sense, noting that the R&A, under chief executive Mark Darbon, is focused on ensuring the Open Championship's viability. He highlighted the area around North Berwick as potentially commercially viable for the event. However, logistical challenges exist, including the nearby staging of the Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club in the preceding week, which could complicate scheduling.
Other Potential Open Venues
The discussion around future Open sites extends beyond Muirfield. Portmarnock in Dublin is expected to host the first Open outside the United Kingdom soon, while Royal Lytham & St Annes, last used in 2012, is also in consideration. McIlroy suggested that the Women's Open being held at Lytham this year might indicate a future men's Open there, though regional scheduling with Birkdale could affect timing.
Current Form and Dubai Desert Classic Performance
Meanwhile, McIlroy is competing in the Dubai Desert Classic, where he shot a round of 71 in the third round, leaving him at three under par. He acknowledged that his game is still in early-season form, not yet at its peak, but aims to finish the tournament positively. Despite a missed short putt on the 18th hole, he remains optimistic about his progress as the season unfolds.
