Scottie Scheffler is the Champion Golfer of the Year after producing a sensational performance to outclass the field at The Open Championship, sealing a famous win at Royal Portrush

While Rory McIlroy’s Masters triumph earned him a long-awaited career grand slam, a home Open Championship win at Royal Portrush could be even more emotion for the Northern Irishman.

Rory McIlroy entered the 2025 Scottish Open needing to regain the top-tier form he flashed earlier in the year when he won three tournaments, including the Masters, which secured his career grand slam.

Rory McIlroy completed the career grand slam at the Masters in April, but apparently that was not his biggest goal of the season.

Rory McIlroy hung around to savor the moment, soaking in the adulation that rained down on him on Royal Portrush’s 18th green.

Rory McIlroy's nightmare start to The Open Championship at Royal Portrush six years ago left a lasting impact on Tom McKibbin, who was feeling the nerves ahead of his opening round

The first time that Royal Portrush hosted the Open Championship since 1951, there was heaps of pressure on McIlroy, the biggest sporting star from Northern Ireland since George Best played for Manchester United in the 1960s and 70s, to win. He shot a 79 on Thursday.

Rory McIlroy says he's back to his best after experiencing a lull post-Masters win, and explained he feels like everything is coming together at the right time for a big end to the year