Brandel Chamblee predicts how Rory McIlroy will perform at the Open at Troon next month

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Outspoken commentator Brandel Chamblee has predicted how Rory McIlroy will perform in next month’s Open Championship.

The year’s final major can’t come around soon enough for the Northern Irishman after he narrowly missed out at the US Open.

Strange shot decisions and two short missed putts cost the 35-year-old as Bryson DeChambeau secured his second major title thanks to a wonderful bunker shot on the 72nd hole.

McIlroy cut a dejected figure after the American’s par putt on the last and was quick to leave the premises.

Brandel Chamblee: Rory McIlroy can win The Open

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Taking to X on Tuesday evening, Chamblee has claimed the US Open heartache could actually benefit McIlroy.

“Thinking about the final holes of the US Open and listening to all of the voices about the close of that championship,” he said.

“The sharp edge of disappointment cuts deep, but when a player realizes that failure is the most necessary part of improvement, in the same way that steel needs fire, failure fuels correction.”

Chamblee went on to suggest McIlroy stands every chance of winning the final major of the year.

“Defeat is not a crushing fate but a correcting one. Wouldn’t surprise me if Rory won The Open,” he added.

Rory McIlroy wise to take time off ahead of the Scottish Open

McIlroy has since posted a statement confirming his withdrawal from the Travelers Championship. The Northern Irishman is set to feature next at the Scottish Open, one week before The Open Championship.

It feels like a wise move to take an extended break. The 35-year-old has been playing regularly in 2024 and is probably in need of a rest both physically and mentally.

Of course, missing out on his first major win in ten years is going to sting, but looking to learn from yet another near miss could stand him in good stead heading into the links tournaments.

And it’s fair to say large swathes of the golfing world will be willing McIlroy on upon his return in Scotland.