Rory McIlroy says what tournament he prioritised more at the start of the year out of The Open and The Masters

Add as preferred source on Google

Rory McIlroy will be looking to become the ninth player in the history of the game to win The Open and The Masters in the same year.

It’s hard to believe that it was only three months ago when McIlroy completed the Grand Slam after winning The Masters at Augusta National.

Now the Northern Irishman will be looking to win the second major of his 2025 season at The Open Championship in his home country this week

McIlroy has been very honest about his lack of motivation after his Masters win, but a return to his homeland to compete at The Open might be just what he needs to kickstart his career once again.

After his win at The Masters, his form went downhill very quickly.

McIlroy’s driver was deemed to be non-conforming before the start of the PGA Championship, and he has never really recovered from the fallout from that.

However, the 35-year-old seems to be a lot more relaxed at Royal Portrush this week, and maybe a sixth major title could be heading his way.

Rory McIlroy makes claims about The Open and The Masters

The Open and The Masters are the two most prestigious tournaments in the game.

The Northern Irishman is one of the few golfers in the game who have won both The Open and The Masters.

And he heads into the 153rd Open Championship with a new lease of life it seems.

He responded when asked to share his thoughts on being back in Britain.

McIlroy said: “To get over here, with a bit of a change of scenery has been really nice.

“When I was looking at the calendar for 2025, this was the tournament that was probably circled even more so than The Masters, for different reasons.

“It’s lovely to be coming in here already with a major and everything else that has happened this year. I’m excited with where my game is, I felt like I showed some really good signs last week. I feel like I’m in a good spot. Not that last week was a pure preparation week, but I felt like it put me in a good spot heading into this week.“

McIlroy also opened up on his desire to play more of a worldwide schedule going forward.

He said: “Yeah, I hope so. I’ve certainly voiced my views and opinions about the top level of men’s professional golf maybe needs to get a little more international in some ways. I’m excited to go to India. I’ve never been before. So I’m excited just to take in a new place and a new culture and play in different parts of the world.

“I’m going to Australia at the end of this year as well. I always have. I’ve always been quite an international player, and I’ve enjoyed going to different places.

“I just think at this stage of my career, basically 18 years into my professional year, to still be able to experience new things and play in new tournaments, that’s something that means a lot to me.“

Rory McIlroy’s record at The Open and The Masters

McIlroy’s record in both tournaments is superb.

Sure, he has missed the odd cut here and there at both events, but the amount of top five finishes he has achieved really is impressive.

McIlroy will be hoping to add another win to his tally at The Open this week, after his stunning Masters victory earlier in the season.

And if McIlroy manages to do that, 2025 will be one of the all time great golfing years.