Can Rory McIlroy bounce back at the Open Championship?

They say major golf championships are like buses and after the excitement of the US Open last month, we head to Scotland next weekend for the Open Championship.

The fourth and final major of 2024 takes place at the Royal Troon Golf Club, with four days of thrilling golf getting underway on Thursday 18th July. It’s the 10th time the South Ayrshire course has hosted the competition – Henrik Stenson won it last time back in 2016.

Last year’s Open Championship saw the unlikeliest of winners crowned champion as Brian Harman stunned the sporting world. The 125-1 outsider claimed the Claret Jug across a phenomenal weekend, finishing 13 under in a performance that saw his lead never drop below three.

Few expect Harman to repeat the feat this year, with Rory McIlroy among those expected to challenge. But he’ll face stiff competition from the world’s best, with Americans dominating the majors so far this year.

Bryson DeChambeau narrowly won the US Open last month as he made a late charge to capitalise on McIlroy’s mistakes. Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler claimed the Masters while Xander Schauffele came out on top in the PGA Championship.

Ahead of the Open Championship, we’ve taken a closer look at the main contenders.

McIlroy looks to put US Open behind him

It’s been 10 years since McIlroy last tasted success in a major championship and after coming so close at the US Open last month, he’ll be desperate to reclaim the title that he won back in 2014.

McIlroy claimed his third major in the Open Championship in Liverpool all those years ago, finishing two shots ahead of Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garcia. His drought almost came to an end in June but with one hand on the trophy, a late collapse saw him surrender his lead.

McIlroy led by two shots with five holes left but it all went downhill from there. He bogeyed in all but one of the final four, missing two close-range putts to put DeChambeau in the ascendency.

And the American graciously accepted the opportunity, taking full advantage to win the competition by one shot. McIlroy has now finished second in the US Open in two consecutive years.

Yet despite the disappointment of throwing away another title, his performance showed that he’s still more than capable of competing with the elite. With the next major back on British soil, he’ll be determined to go one better and claim the major that he last won a decade ago.

The 35-year-old finished sixth in this competition last year at his spiritual home in Liverpool, seven shots behind champion Harman. And the fact that the Open Championship comes so soon after McIlroy’s US Open heartbreak gives him the perfect opportunity to bounce back and prove he’s still one of the best in the world.

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Who are the favourites?

While McIlroy sits near the top of the bookies’ favourites as usual, the clear contender to go all the way is world number one Scheffler. The American is yet to win the Open Championship and only has two major titles to his name, winning the Masters both this year and in 2022.

But the 28-year-old is in strong form and has won two of his last three tournaments. Despite his credentials, he struggled at the US Open as he tied way down in 41st. Yet with one major already in the bag this year, he’ll fancy his chances of adding to his collection.

After winning the US Open for the second time last month, DeChambeau will be full of confidence going into the Open. The 30-year-old has never won the competition though, with his best finish of eighth coming back in 2022.

Meanwhile, PGA Championship winner Schauffele is also looking to claim a second major of the year. He’s finished in the top 10 in all but one of his appearances since winning at Valhalla in May and he’ll be looking to go one better than the second-place finish he achieved at the Open Championship back in 2018.

Watch the Open Championship in style

Fancy watching the final golf major of the year in luxury? Well, you’re in the right place! We’ve got two exclusive hospitality packages available, offering the best views of the action and everything else you could need.

In our Scorers and Scorers Premium facilities, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks, all served by roaming waiters and prepared by our incredible chefs. You’ll also be able to take advantage of the dessert station and have access to the complimentary bar, with wine, beer and soft drinks on offer.

As well as seating to watch the golf up close, you’ll also be able to follow it all on TV screens throughout the restaurant and the private garden. Enquire today to reserve your place.

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