McIlroy Struggles After Masters Win as Golf’s Elite Compete at British Open

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy finished tied for 40th place at Royal Birkdale after posting a final-round 71 at the British Open, marking another disappointing major championship performance following his Masters victory earlier this year. McIlroy’s struggles at the event included criticism directed at competitor Bryson DeChambeau over a rules violation, but the golfer acknowledged his inability to sustain tournament contention across the calendar year.

McIlroy’s pattern of dominance at the Masters followed by inconsistent showings in subsequent majors mirrors last year’s campaign, when he secured the green jacket to complete his career Grand Slam but then struggled to find sustained success. This season, he had a realistic opportunity Sunday at the PGA Championship but otherwise remained in the middle of the field throughout his major championship efforts.

Looking ahead, McIlroy has set his sights on adding to his six major titles, with particular interest in the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and the British Open at St. Andrews next year. He plans to pursue the FedEx Cup and the Race to Dubai during the remainder of the PGA Tour season before taking an extended summer break with his family.

Robert MacIntyre and Jon Rahm each received conduct warnings during the British Open for club-slamming incidents, with both players defending their temperament on course. MacIntyre struck his driver into the turf after a poor tee shot on the 16th, while Rahm flung his club following a wayward shot Friday on the 15th hole.

MacIntyre made clear he would not alter his aggressive playing style, noting that such reactions are fundamental to his approach. The Scotsman had previously drawn scrutiny at the Masters for profanity and an obscene gesture following a quadruple bogey on the 15th hole.

Lucas Herbert entered Sunday’s final round holding the 36-hole lead but ultimately finished tied for sixth after closing with another 71. A critical bogey on the par-5 17th proved decisive, as Herbert’s drive drifted left and he ultimately failed to recover from the bunker, costing him a potential tie for fourth and an automatic Masters invitation.

Herbert found consolation in securing a top-10 finish that guarantees his entry into next year’s British Open at St. Andrews, which he called the sport’s best venue. The Australian, who moved to LIV Golf after his sole PGA Tour victory at the Bermuda Championship, acknowledged the disappointment of waiting 12 months before competing in another major.

Jon Rahm began his final round six shots behind the lead but suffered an immediate setback when his opening drive sailed out of bounds. After reloading with a second tee shot, Rahm tore his glove in frustration while walking down the fairway, ultimately recording a double-bogey and finishing at even par, tied for 46th place with a closing round of 74.

Among other storylines, Oklahoma State alumni Rickie Fowler and Eugenio Chacarra played together wearing bright orange shirts, with Fowler shooting 66 and Chacarra posting 69 in his British Open debut. Tommy Fleetwood was the sole competitor to break par in all four rounds, while Casey Jarvis of South Africa and Denmark’s Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen earned spots at St. Andrews next year through top-10 finishes.