‘It would mean a little bit more’: Rory McIlroy returns to Europe with eyes on Open tilt

The 2025 Masters winner plays at Scottish Open this week.

Rory McIlroy knows there will not be many more opportunities for him to win the Open at Royal Portrush. Pic: Malcolm Mackenzie/PA Wire.

While it is likely that for Rory McIlroy nothing will ever top the euphoria of Augusta National in April, victory at an Open Championship staged in Northern Ireland could at least come close.

McIlroy’s return to Europe for the Scottish Open is notable in itself as his first playing appearance on this continent since claiming the career grand slam, but next week and Royal Portrush looms large.