Rory McIlroy Sends Clear Message on The Open

“The fact that I'm here at Portrush with the green jacket ... I want to do my best this week to enjoy everything that comes my way,” McIlroy said, referencing his long-awaited Masters win earlier this year.

He admitted that after missing the cut in 2019, the emotional weight of playing at home caught him off guard.

"I'm in a good spot and, had a, not that last week was a pure preparation week, but it definitely, feel like it put me in a good spot heading into here," McIlroy added.

McIlroy’s recent results back up his optimism. He finished T-6 at the Travelers Championship before his runner-up finish last week. “I’m excited with where my game is,” he said. “I showed some really good signs last week. I feel like I’m in a good spot.”

As the wind and pressure build at Portrush, McIlroy knows what’s at stake. “This was the tournament that was circled, even more so than the Masters,” he said. “I still feel like there's a lot left in there.”