Rory McIlroy has thrown his considerable influence behind Muirfield's campaign to once again host The Open Championship, following more than a decade in exile due to its previous stance on female members. The 281-year-old club, known formally as The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, has been absent from the prestigious tournament's rotation since a contentious 2016 vote initially upheld its men-only membership policy.
Muirfield's Path to Redemption
The historic East Lothian links club reversed its controversial stance a year later, welcoming female members for the first time. However, the organisers of The Open, the R&A, have yet to confirm when the championship will return to the revered course. With The Open allocated to Royal Birkdale this year and the Old Course at St Andrews in 2027, a prominent vacancy exists for the 2028 edition. This presents Muirfield with its first genuine opportunity to re-enter the fray since it last hosted the event in 2013.
McIlroy's Vocal Endorsement
McIlroy's public backing could prove invaluable to Muirfield's cause. The four-time major champion stated, 'It would be wonderful if it was. I'm not privy to those conversations but Muirfield deserves to be back on the Open rota.' He emphasised that the club had rectified its past issues and praised the course itself, calling it 'one of the best courses on the rota and in the UK.'
The Northern Irish star also highlighted the commercial considerations, noting the appointment of R&A chief executive Mark Darbon to enhance the tournament's viability. 'I would say Muirfield, that area, North Berwick, that would probably be one of the more commercially viable opens,' McIlroy added, underscoring the economic argument for its return.
A Personal History at Muirfield
McIlroy's support comes despite Muirfield being the scene of one of his most disappointing professional performances. During the 2013 Open there, he carded rounds of 79 and 75, missing the cut. Reflecting on that experience, he admitted on Saturday, 'It could have been my lowest point.' His career has, of course, flourished spectacularly in the years since.
Current Form in Dubai
Meanwhile, McIlroy's immediate focus is on the Dubai Desert Classic, where his current form suggests a victory is unlikely. Entering the final round a substantial 11 shots off the lead after a third-round 71, his chances appear remote. The leaderboard is headed by his old rival, Patrick Reed, at 14 under par, with fellow LIV Golf player David Puig four shots back.
McIlroy was candid about his prospects, quipping that a Manchester United away win at Arsenal on Sunday was more probable than his own comeback. 'And that's from a very pessimistic United fan,' he remarked. His game has been inconsistent, leaving him at three under par and without the platform for a late charge.
He attributed some struggles to an equipment experiment, switching to more forgiving cavity-back irons, and the early stage of the season. 'It's January,' McIlroy said. 'I am sort of working my way back into form a little bit. It's okay. It's not exactly where I want it to be but it's early.' His round featured a missed two-foot putt on the last hole and a birdie drought that lasted until the 10th.
No Showdown with Reed
With such a gap on the leaderboard, a dramatic final-day duel with Patrick Reed seems off the cards. This denies fans a rekindling of their notable rivalry, which famously included 'tee-gate' at this very venue in 2023, when McIlroy snubbed Reed on the practice range and Reed responded by throwing a tee. Reed joked on Friday about trying to 'break the ice', but based on the scoreboard, he remains comfortably out of McIlroy's reach for this tournament.
While no part of McIlroy's game has been catastrophically poor this week, none has been exceptionally sharp either, resulting in a middling position. His primary contribution from Dubai may well be his powerful advocacy for Muirfield's return to golf's oldest championship, a sentiment that will resonate across the sport.
