Rory McIlroy confirms what he plans to do next before the Ryder Cup after competing at The Open

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Rory McIlroy couldn’t quite get over the line in front of his home fans at The Open, finishing T7 as Scottie Scheffler secured the title.

Shane Lowry wanted McIlroy to catch Scheffler on Sunday, but it proved too difficult as he stormed to a superb victory.

Scheffler ended on 17-under at Royal Portrush, finishing four shots ahead of fellow American Harris English to clinch the Claret Jug.

Bryson DeChambeau was blown away by Scheffler amid his latest display, which simply furthered his status as the best golfer in the world.

He now has four major championship wins to his name, and needs only the US Open title to complete the career grand slam.

Rory McIlroy confirms plans before the Ryder Cup after shining at The Open

One player who only recently completed that achievement at The Masters was McIlroy, who analysed his latest efforts after his final round.

He was asked if he’s ever tried so hard to stay in contention amid a difficult week and ended up tying for seventh, but having had a chance right up to the back nine.

READ MORE: Shane Lowry thinks Rory McIlroy has said something about Scottie Scheffler at The Open which he’ll already ‘regret’

McIlroy responded: “Yeah, I feel like I try my hardest every time I play. I’m not going to try even harder here. If anything, that’s probably to my detriment.

“I felt like I did well. 8, 9, and 10 today were the ones that killed me. Not that… I was never going to get to 17-under, I don’t think.

“I could have maybe finished 2nd, which would have been better than where I did finish, but only making par off those tee shots on 8 and 9 and then the double off of 10 after the flier, that did me in. Then I just tried to play a good back nine and finish as well as I could.”

And when asked if he feels his sharpness coming back, with three titles this season, he replied: “Yeah, I do, but I also had the three wins when Scottie wasn’t quite on his game. But I do, I feel good.

“I feel like being back in Europe for a bit was a nice reset. Yeah, I feel like I’m getting back to where I want to be, and we’ve still got a lot of golf left this year with obviously Ryder Cup being the big one in there in September.

“And just make sure I’m… I don’t want to play too much leading up to that because I want to be fresh. So I’m looking forward to a few weeks off here.

“I’ll reflect on what’s been already a good year and start to get myself ready for that run up to the Ryder Cup.”

How has Rory McIlroy performed on the PGA Tour in 2025 as The Open concludes?

McIlroy was alluding to his victories at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the Players Championship and The Masters this season, which have taken his PGA Tour wins tally to 29.

He’s certainly in fine shape on the course right now, and would have been given an added boost with the home support this week.

READ MORE: Scottie Scheffler delivers his immediate verdict on the fans at Royal Portrush during his winner’s speech at The Open

Almost every fan at Royal Portrush was cheering on the Northern Irishman, which at the same time simply heaped the pressure on his shoulders.

But the five-time major winner can now take a well-earned rest amid a very busy season, having just played his 14th PGA Tour event of 2025.

And that rest should work in the favour of the European Ryder Cup team, in which McIlroy is the only qualified player thus far.

Incidentally, captain Luke Donald has just been handed a slight warning for Bethpage Black, with Americans clinching the top three spots in The Open leaderboard.