Rory McIlroy has expressed confidence that Tommy Fleetwood is well prepared to cope with the extra expectations of being the hometown favourite at The 154th Open Championship, which begins Thursday at Royal Birkdale. McIlroy, who experienced similar pressure last year at Royal Portrush, shared his insights on the challenges Fleetwood may face.
McIlroy's Experience with Local Hero Pressure
Reflecting on his own experience at Royal Portrush in County Antrim twelve months ago, McIlroy described the burden of playing as the local hero. "It's a great environment but tough in a way that you just feel the extra expectation on your shoulders, and you feel like you're trying to play well for everyone else and not for yourself," the Northern Irishman said. He noted that the added pressure can be difficult, as players already face enough pressure to perform for themselves.
McIlroy praised Fleetwood's temperament, saying, "I feel like Tommy's more level-headed than I am and maybe won't fall into that trap like I did in 2019. It always seems like it takes me one go round to get it right." He added that many players in the field, including his playing partner Matt Fitzpatrick, are level-headed and likely to stick to their routines.
Support for Course Changes at Royal Birkdale
McIlroy also commented on the modifications made to the Birkdale course, expressing particular approval for the changes to the 5th and 7th holes. "I really like the 5th hole. I like the change to the 7th. It creates options for if you do miss the green, whether it's a putter, a bump-and-run, some guys might choose lob wedge," he said. He noted that when golfers have multiple options, it can create doubt, making the game more interesting for viewers. "That, to me, is the sign of a good championship test," McIlroy added.
Call for a Spread-Out Major Season
Beyond the tournament, McIlroy advocated for a longer major season, arguing that the current compressed schedule—with the US PGA, US Open, and The Open in quick succession—could be improved. "I guess I see pros and cons in both. I'd like to see the major season spread out a little bit longer," he said. While acknowledging that a tight schedule benefits players on a hot streak, McIlroy believes a more staggered calendar would boost general interest in the sport.
Fleetwood, a Southport native, is expected to draw strong support from the local crowd. McIlroy expressed hope that Fleetwood and other English players would have a great week, especially given the backdrop of England's World Cup campaign. "It would be great for them all to have a great week because obviously with England in the World Cup and everything that's going on, it would just be an amazing atmosphere," he concluded.
