Backspin: His year was slowed by a rib injury that kept him out for two months. Padraig Harrington (2007-08), Tiger Woods (2005-06) and Tom Watson (1982-83) are the only back-to-back Open champions the last 50 years.

Open Championship will be played at Royal Portrush this season, with action taking place from July 17-20 at the private club in County Antrim in Northern Ireland opened in 1888. Rory McIlroy took some pressure off by completing the career grand slam at the 2025 Masters,

Xander Schauffele will look to defend his British Open title against a field led by Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler when the 153rd Open Championship begins at Royal Portrush on Thursday.

Rory McIlroy begins his quest to win a second Open Championship title on Thursday afternoon, playing alongside Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Thomas.

Elsewhere, Pádraig Harrington will hit the opening tee shot of the championship, and will play alongside Tom McKibbin and Nicolai Hojgaard from 6.35am on Thursday. Darren Clarke has been paired with Lucas Herbert and Davis Riley, and they are underway at 7.52am.

Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, the site of Shane Lowry's triumph in 2019. As has been the case all year, the strong favorites entering the tournament are Scottie Scheffler (9/2) and Rory McIlroy (7-1).

Rory McIlroy's confidence was not dented despite coming up short at the Scottish Open on Sunday, and just a few hours later, he sent a signal of intent to his rivals at The Open Championship

Rory McIlroy practically had Royal Portrush all to himself Monday morning, but not for long. By the time he finished his first