sports
January 24, 2026
Rory McIlroy backs Muirfield for Open return despite ‘lowest point’ in 2013
Scottish links last staged championship 13 years ago

TL;DR
- Rory McIlroy supports Muirfield's return to the Open Championship rota.
- McIlroy experienced a low point in his career at Muirfield in 2013, missing the cut.
- Muirfield's past issues, including membership policies and attendance, contributed to its previous absence from the Open rota.
- McIlroy believes Muirfield is a world-class course and a commercially viable option for the Open.
- Portmarnock in Dublin is expected to host an Open outside the UK soon.
- The proximity of the Scottish Open to Muirfield presents a logistical challenge.
- Royal Lytham & St Annes has not hosted the Open since 2012.
- McIlroy is currently working on regaining form at the Dubai Desert Classic.
- Patrick Reed leads the Dubai Desert Classic heading into the final round.
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