Rory McIlroy’s coach reveals major course rumour ahead of The Open at Royal Portrush

And now, McIlroy’s putting coach has spoken out about a possible change to the course layout ahead of the championship.

Brad Faxon reveals what he’s heard about Royal Portrush ahead of The Open

Brad Faxon, who works with McIlroy on his putting, was asked about the chances of an Irish winner at this year’s Open Championship.

“I really do [think it could happen],” Faxon told The Smylie Show, referencing McIlroy and Lowry, before sharing some insight into what might be different at Royal Portrush this time around.

“I have heard a rumour that the first hole, where Rory hit a two iron or a one iron off the tee, and pull-hooked it out of bounds… Now that was an in-course out-of-bounds they had set up for gallery control and some sponsor suites,” he told Smylie Kaufman.

“I don’t think that is going to be out of bounds this year. I think there is a new tee, too. I think it’s back further. So that hole is not going to just be a lay-up necessarily, depending on the wind conditions.

“All my friends who have gone over there to play always try and argue which is a better course, County Down or Portrush.

“And to have Shane win there in 19… Shane Lowry said the last time I saw him at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, he said, ‘Rory has taken the pressure off me going back there.’ So imagine that, if one of those two guys comes back and is in contention on the last day.”

Following a rather straightforward win for Scottie Scheffler at the PGA Championship, many fans will be hoping for another thrilling finish like McIlroy’s Masters victory earlier this year.

The final leaderboard from Shane Lowry’s 2019 Open Championship win at Portrush

Lowry made history with a six-shot victory in 2019, firmly establishing himself among the best in the game.

The Irishman opened with back-to-back 67s and followed it up with a course-record 63 on Saturday, setting himself up for a remarkable wire-to-wire win.

His 72 on Sunday was enough to seal the victory in front of an adoring home crowd.

Although major wins have eluded him since, including a third-place finish at the 2022 Masters, Lowry will still be among the favourites when he returns to Royal Portrush.