Rory McIlroy's dreams of securing a fifth major championship at The Open were shattered in a dramatic turn of events, with many pointing fingers at his controversial switch to LIV Golf.
The Northern Irishman, once a favourite at Royal Troon, suffered a stunning collapse in the final round, leaving fans and analysts questioning whether his high-profile move to the Saudi-backed tour has disrupted his game.
A Crushing Defeat at Royal Troon
McIlroy started the tournament in strong form, showcasing flashes of brilliance that reminded spectators of his 2014 dominance. However, as the pressure mounted on Sunday, his performance unravelled in spectacular fashion.
Critical missed putts and uncharacteristic errors saw him tumble down the leaderboard, finishing well outside contention. The disappointment was etched across his face as he left the 18th green to muted applause.
The LIV Golf Factor
Speculation is rife that McIlroy's recent transition to LIV Golf may have played a role in his Open Championship struggles. The breakaway tour's different format and schedule appear to have disrupted his preparation for traditional majors.
"When you change your competitive environment so radically, there's always an adaptation period," noted veteran golf analyst Paul McGinley. "Rory's game looks out of sync with the demands of links golf."
Fan Reactions Split
The gallery at Royal Troon delivered a mixed reception to McIlroy throughout the tournament. While many loyal supporters cheered him on, others made their displeasure about his LIV Golf move known.
"It's heartbreaking to see such a talent struggle," said one spectator. "But he made his choice, and now he's paying the price in the tournaments that really matter."
What Next for McIlroy?
With his major drought now extending beyond a decade, questions mount about McIlroy's ability to reclaim his place among golf's elite. The upcoming PGA Championship will serve as another crucial test of whether he can adapt his game post-LIV.
One thing is certain - the golf world will be watching closely to see if this four-time major winner can rediscover the form that once made him untouchable.
