There is plenty you simply can’t appreciate when you’re watching The Open Championship on TV. From experiencing the uninhibited roar of the crowd to viewing the event from a unique perspective the cameras will never show you.
And even with the extraordinary level of coverage regarding Rory McIlroy – who is attempting his second crack at winning The Open on home soil – there remains plenty you might not be aware of while he’s out on the course.
My latest visit to an Open Championship offered the chance to go inside the ropes at Royal Portrush and really focus on the Northern Irishman almost everyone here is desperate to see win.
However, it won’t be easy. More realistically, it’s quite unlikely with Scottie Scheffler six strokes ahead. Nevertheless, a special Saturday from McIlroy means the belief remains for both player and fans – regardless of the gap.
The World No.2 has enjoyed and endured one of the most tumultuous years of his career. From winning twice before The Masters to completing the career Grand Slam at long last.
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The comedown from that euphoric moment led to battles with the media, a wobble in form via struggles with his driver and a poor showing at the following two Majors.
But recently, there has been more than a shred of optimism returning to McIlroy’s narrative. Improved performances over the past three starts fuelled hopes that ‘Wee Rory’ could produce the mother of all homecomings.
Through the first two days at Royal Portrush, he set up the potential opportunity nicely.
So on Saturday, I headed out to one of the most special courses on the Open rota and put myself a matter of feet away to see how McIlroy might handle the situation. Here’s what I learned.
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MCILROY IS REVELLING IN THE OPPORTUNITY
McIlroy’s struggles at The Open in 2019 are extremely well-documented. The pressure and expectation got to him, he admitted as much, but insisted he would handle the situation much better this time around.
Having followed McIlroy around at close quarters during round three – I can absolutely assure you he has stayed true to his word. The scores speak for themselves, of course, but it’s not just the simple matter of numbers.
The five-time Major winner’s body language this week has reflected a man who…
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