Rory McIlroy has been drawn to play alongside Tyrrell Hatton for the first two rounds of The Open, and the Northern Irishman has given his honest opinion on the LIV Golf star.
After McIlroy was left frustrated during last week’s Scottish Open, attention has swiftly turned to the final major of the year.
The Open presents McIlroy with his final chance of 2024 to end his ten-year wait for major number five and quickly put to bed his US Open heartache after Bryson DeChambeau secured a dramatic victory at Pinehurst.
The Northern Irishman is part of one of the must-watch groupings for the first two rounds and is set to tee it up alongside Hatton and PGA Tour star Max Homa.
Now, McIlroy has shared his thoughts on his intriguing three-ball.
Rory McIlroy reacts to Open Championship grouping with Tyrrell Hatton
McIlroy’s views on those who moved to LIV Golf are well known. After being linked with a blockbuster move to the breakaway tour, the 35-year-old was quick to reassure the golfing world that he would never contemplate joining Greg Norman’s venture.
Hatton, of course, made the switch last year and became one of the more high-profile names to turn his back on the PGA and DP World Tour.
McIlroy, however, has no issue playing with the Englishman. In fact, he’s delighted with the draw.
“As draws go, I thought it was a very good draw,” he told the R&A’s YouTube channel.
“Good to see Tyrrell; I had dinner with him a couple of Sundays ago in London, and a few of the Ryder Cup teammates got together, which was nice.”
On Homa, McIlroy added: “And I get to play with Max all the time in the States. So it’s a comfortable grouping. I don’t get to see Tyrrell as much any more, but it’s a good draw.”
Rory McIlroy’s Open record provides reason to be positive
McIlroy’s Open record is mightily impressive, having previously finished in the top five six times, more than he has done in any other major.
Furthermore, his recent form in the year’s most prestigious major provides reason to be optimistic.
He came within two shots of glory at the home of golf two years ago but was left to rue a below-par final round and Cameron Smith’s brilliance.
And last year, the four-time major winner finished T6.
He’s regularly in contention and certainly has the game to adapt to the unique links conditions, which could give him a significant advantage this week.
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