Rory McIlroy backs Muirfield for Open return despite ‘lowest point’ in 2013

Rory McIlroy has shown support for Muirfield’s bid to host the Open again, despite experiencing a challenging performance there during the last tournament in 2013, where he felt “unconscious” and “brain dead” on his way to a missed cut.

 

The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers’ previous policy of not admitting women—changed in 2017—and low attendance during the last Open affected its return. Nonetheless, Muirfield remains highly esteemed among global golf courses.

 

The R&A has not yet disclosed Open venues beyond St Andrews in 2027, but McIlroy believes Muirfield deserves consideration: “It would be fantastic if it returned,” he stated. “While I’m not involved in those discussions, Muirfield has addressed its past issues. It’s an excellent course, one of the best in the UK. Commercial viability is key, and I think Mark Darbon was hired to help make the Open Championship profitable. Muirfield and the North Berwick area could be some of the more commercially sensible locations for the tournament.”

 

Portmarnock in Dublin is anticipated to host the first Open outside the UK soon, but logistical challenges arise since the Scottish Open will take place at the nearby Renaissance Club the week prior to a potential Muirfield tournament.

 

Reflecting on his 2013 experience, where he scored rounds of 79 and 75 for a total of 12 over par, McIlroy humorously acknowledged it might have been the lowest point of his career, though he has since won an Open and improved his performance in subsequent championships. “2013 feels like ages ago,” he commented.

 

Royal Lytham & St Annes is waiting even longer for another Open, having last hosted it in 2012, when Ernie Els won. The 2029 Open will commemorate 50 years since Seve Ballesteros’ victory there.

 

Regarding future events, McIlroy noted that with Birkdale hosting this year, it may be too soon to return to that area for an Open in 2028, especially with the Women’s Open at Lytham this year, suggesting a pattern where the men’s championship often follows soon after the women’s.

 

Despite missing a short par putt on the 18th at the Dubai Desert Classic and finishing with a 71 for a total of three under par—which may leave him with too much to overcome in the final round—McIlroy maintained he is working on regaining form. “It’s January,” he said. “I’m gradually finding my rhythm. It’s not yet where I’d like it to be, but it’s early. I just want to play well tomorrow and finish the week positively.”

 

Patrick Reed’s 67 gives him a four-shot lead heading into the final day at the Emirates Club, with Spain’s David Puig trailing behind at 14 under par, followed by Andy Sullivan and Viktor Hovland at minus nine.