The collapse of plans to host matches in football's Euro 2028 tournament in Belfast damaged Northern Ireland's reputation in the world of sport. The spectacular pictures and smooth running of The Open at Royal Portrush have helped to regain some of the reputational ground which was lost.

McIlroy has used two caddies during his professional golf career. His first was named J.P. Fitzgerald, who he had on his bag until 2017. McIlroy then switched to Harry Diamond, who has been his caddie over the last eight years.

McIlroy could not reproduce his Saturday magic to catch Scottie Scheffler, but he still achieved a level of redemption at his home Open

So here is our final major big board of the year, ranking the top 30 golfers in the field. This is not simply the 30 best golfers in a vacuum. These are the 30 golfers that our crack team of Gabby Herzig, Hugh Kellenberger and Brody Miller believe are best suited to win this week at Royal Portrush.

Rory McIlroy attended the Association of Golf Writers dinner on Tuesday evening and was decked out in green — Masters green.

Rory McIlroy just pulled off a shot that likely no one has ever seen before. At the 2025 Open Championship, the Northern Irishman was attempting to hit an approach shot on No. 11 at Royal Portrush. As he drove his club through his ball, a second ball popped up in the air.

Rory McIlroy arrived in his home country with unfinished business. And even though he lost the Open by seven, left with something more important.

Inside Rory McIlroy's $9 million UK mansion - and the billionaire neighbor with over 7,000 cars, 39 tigers and $15K haircut habit