Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy attends a press conference held ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy gestures during a press conference held ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy attends a press conference held ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy gestures during a press conference held ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy attends a press conference held ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy attends a press conference held ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy smiles during a press conference held ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy reacts during a press conference held ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE