Rory McIlroy moved to one-under par for the tournament after posting an under-par second round at the 2026 Open Championship [3, 4].
The recovery is significant for the World No. 2 [6], who struggled during the opening day and needed a strong performance to remain in contention for the title.
McIlroy began the tournament at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, with a 2-over 72 in the first round [1, 5]. To reverse the trend, he employed a more aggressive driver strategy, described as a "secret weapon," to improve his positioning on the course [7].
This shift in approach yielded immediate results on Friday. Reports on his exact second-round score vary slightly between sources, with some noting a 67 [2] and others stating he finished three shots under par for the day [3]. Despite the discrepancy, the result placed him at one shot under par overall for the tournament [4].
Now 37 years old, McIlroy enters this stretch of the championship with high expectations [5]. He is coming off a milestone year in 2025, during which he completed the career Grand Slam [7].
The performance at Royal Birkdale serves as a critical bounce-back for the Northern Irishman, who had faced pressure to maintain his standing among the leaders after his initial struggle. By utilizing a more offensive game with his driver, he has positioned himself to challenge for the trophy over the final two rounds.
“Rory McIlroy moved to one-under par for the tournament after posting an under-par second round”
McIlroy's ability to adjust his tactical approach mid-tournament demonstrates the resilience required for major championship success. Having completed the career Grand Slam in 2025, his current form at Royal Birkdale suggests he remains a primary contender in the world rankings, though his inconsistency in the opening round highlights the volatility of the course conditions.
