The Open 2025: Rory McIlroy says Portrush win would be ‘just as emotional’ as Masters triumph

McIlroy, who finished second at last year’s Irish Open at Royal County Down, admits he did not feel prepared for the level of support he received at Portrush in 2019 after trying to detach himself from the excitement around his first major appearance at home.

The Holywood native started the championship disastrously, hitting his opening tee shot out of bounds as he posted a quadruple-bogey eight on his way to a first-round 79. He had a spirited second-round fightback but missed the halfway cut.

“I’m so happy it’s back so soon because I want to have another crack at it,” he told BBC Sport.

“I didn’t have the week I wanted in 2019. I’m a better player, manage my game better, and even if I have an off day, it’s not going to be a 79 like it was on the first day in 2019.”

And this week he says he will not hide away from the attention.

“I think I probably tried to isolate, and I think it’s better for everyone if I embrace it,” he added.

“I think it’s better for me because it’s nice to be able to accept adulation, even though I struggle with it at times. But it’s also nice for the person that is seeing you for the first time in a few years.

“It just makes for a better interaction.”