Former Open champion Darren Clarke is expressing high hopes for Rory McIlroy’s performance at the upcoming 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush. Despite having missed the cut during the same tournament in 2019, McIlroy has since solidified his status in the golfing world by achieving notable victories, including clinching his fifth major title at the Masters earlier this year, which also completed his career Grand Slam.
Clarke, who claimed the Open title at Royal St. George’s in 2011, emphasized the significance of McIlroy’s recent triumph. “I don’t know if most people understand how big a deal it was for him to win the Grand Slam and to be only the sixth person in history to actually do it,” he stated. He believes that McIlroy’s past experiences, including near misses, have only enhanced his skills as a player. “Hard to say it, but he’s an even better player now than he was back in those days [2019],” Clarke noted, expressing confidence in McIlroy’s capabilities heading into the tournament.
This will be a notable homecoming for McIlroy, as he returns to play in front of a local audience following his Masters victory. Clarke sees McIlroy as an unparalleled figure in Northern Ireland sports history, possibly even exceeding legendary sports icons such as George Best and Dame Mary Peters. “You put Rory up there with the most famous people from Northern Ireland, sporting people, in recent history… he’s probably the best sportsperson we’ve ever had from Northern Ireland,” he remarked.
As excitement builds for the event, the combination of McIlroy’s recent victories and the support of his home crowd signifies a promising opportunity for both the player and the championship at Royal Portrush. The upcoming Open Championship not only highlights McIlroy’s achievements but also reinforces Northern Ireland’s significant role in the world of golf. With a hopeful outlook, many fans anticipate a strong performance from their local hero.