We Can’t Have Rory McIlroy Playing Football This Close to The Open

Back in July of 2015, Rory McIlroy was the No. 1 player in the world and the reigning Champion Golfer of the Year. Just a few days before The Open, which was being held at St. Andrews, McIlroy ruptured the anterior talofibular ligament in his left ankle while playing football—or soccer, for us Americans.

With a chance to win golf’s oldest championship at golf’s most storied course, the Northern Irishman was forced to withdraw.

Earlier that season, he finished fourth at the Masters, won the WGC Match Play, tied for eighth at THE PLAYERS, won the Wells Fargo Championship, and tied for ninth at the U.S. Open.

Like Dustin Johnson entering the 2017 Masters, everyone and their mother thought McIlroy would hoist the Claret Jug again, but an injury ruined things.

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On Wednesday, during his pre-tournament press conference at the Genesis Scottish Open, McIlroy told reporters he’s back in the same rental house he’s used for the last few years. The best part? It’s right next door to the Fleetwoods.

But here’s what worried me: “I was playing football with Frankie last night. Yeah, all that stuff is cool,” he said.

I know what they say about lightning, but still, I can’t have him taking that chance. (To be clear, this is (kind of) a joke, play all the football with Frankie you want, Rors.)

As for his chances at the Renaissance this week, McIlroy is coming off a mediocre showing at the U.S. Open. He was in the thick of things going into the weekend, but posted back-to-back rounds of 73 on Saturday and Sunday, and eventually tied for 32nd.

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But if his history at this event tells us anything, he’ll be right around the lead in four days.

He tied for second a year ago, finished T-4 in 2024, and won it in 2023, in large part to this nasty 2-iron he hit into the 72nd green (I still think about this from time to time).

Next week’s Open is being held at Royal Birkdale, where McIlroy tied for fourth in 2017. If he can survive football with Frankie (again, a joke), he’ll have a chance to win his second Open and seventh major championship.