Rory McIlroy is already looking towards the future after an underwhelming week at The Open Championship.
McIlroy made the cut at Royal Birkdale, but was never in contention for the Claret Jug, ending well down the leaderboard on one-under.
But he still managed to cause quite the stir in Southport when he discussed Bryson DeChambeau’s two-shot penalty for improving his backswing line on day two.
Publicly calling out the “performative” American at The Open shortly after the incident, McIlroy said he is “not particularly fond” of DeChambeau.
The Northern Irishman has now been tasked with discussing his nemesis once more ahead of the Irish Open, which returns in September.
What do you think about Bryson DeChambeau's conduct with the media?
Rory McIlroy wants Bryson DeChambeau to play at the Irish Open
After finishing his final round of The Open, McIlroy was asked if he’d like to see DeChambeau play at the Irish Open, which takes place at Trump International Golf Links Ireland, Doonbeg.
“I mean, I think that would be great for the tournament, absolutely,” he replied.
“Having someone like Bryson at the Irish Open, yeah, it would be great for the tournament.”
It’s certainly possible given the venue, with DeChambeau enjoying a close friendship with Donald Trump, who owns the course.
Meanwhile, McIlroy has a fine history with the competition, lifting the trophy at the 2025 Irish Open after a playoff win over Joakim Lagergren.
The defending champion was also asked if it should be a standalone European Tour event, in light of the PGA Tour’s expansion.
He said: “If it’s going to stay… I guess next year it might change because of the Ryder Cup in Adare, but if it’s going to stay in that September date, I don’t see how it becomes part of the PGA Tour season when the PGA Tour is going to be played from February to August.”
McIlroy is already confirmed for the tournament, as are his fellow European Ryder Cup stars Tyrrell Hatton, Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm and captain Luke Donald.
Rory McIlroy cheering for Tommy Fleetwood to win The Open
While McIlroy will be eager to forget The Open for another year, he will likely keep tabs on this year’s winner.
And he is hopeful that home favourite Tommy Fleetwood is the player who emerges victorious, saying of his friend: “We’re very close with the Fleetwoods.
“Poppy and Frankie are inseparable. Clare and Erica are best friends. Tommy and I have obviously got an amazing relationship that goes back nearly 20 years.
“Yeah, he’s an amazing golfer. He’s just as good of a person as he is a golfer. Yeah, there’s a long way to go, but the McIlroys will definitely be cheering for Tommy.”
Fleetwood is currently in contention to claim his maiden major win at Southport, where he holds the most support of any player.
The fans have been cheering him on loudly all week, and will be desperate to see the Englishman repay that support by clinching the Claret Jug.
Read more: How Bryson DeChambeau’s penalty at The Open could change golf forever
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