There are many things that get the golf world in a tizzy. A new Saudi-backed tour causes major upheaval among PGA loyalists, a merger between said tour with the PGA causes yet another uproar. However, nothing brings out anticipation like a Major tournament, especially the Open Championship.

This week, the 151st namesake event is about to begin on Thursday, and both players and fans are running sweats waiting for the winner. Among the top contenders are several fan favorites including LIV Golfer Phil Mickelson, World Number 1 Scottie Scheffler, US Open winner Wyndham Clark, and Genesis Scottish Open winner Rory McIlroy. Who will take the win?

This might be Rory McIlroy’s year

Rory McIlroy is one of those golfers from around the globe on whom fans pin most of their expectations. The Irishman has a significant legacy on the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. He has a deep love for the sport of golf and that shows in his swings on the Links. It is probably the reason behind him being one of three top golfers to win 4 major championships before turning 25.

Although winning the Genesis Scottish Open was a chance to qualify for the 2023 Open Championship, McIlroy already earned his exemption almost a decade ago. However, his performance at the Renaissance Club did help reignite faith in his performance after a long drought. The Irish Golfer shared a tweet to encourage the golfer on the greens.

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Three-time Open Championship winner Sir Nick Faldo and 2011’s oldest Open Championship winner Darren Clarke are feeling optimistic on behalf of the Irish golfer. “After the manner in which he won up in Scotland, he’s been playing great all year, his confidence will be right up there,” the latter said to SkySports. “He’s got everything going for him this week, and if just keeps on playing the way he has been I think he’ll be tough to beat.”

He also added talking about the close calls faced by the 2014 Open Champion, “He went close at the US Open and I’m sure, like all of us at home, we want to see him finish and that major drought because he’s been playing so well for so long.” 

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Sir Nick Faldo also had a few nuggets to share based on how confident he felt when returning to Muirfield in 1992 as compared to McIlroy returning to Royal Liverpool. “He’s got to be feeling good going back to somewhere he’s won before,” he said, also adding, “He’s one of the top few players in the world and it’s probably a nice feeling for him – he knows if he plays really well he knows the names he’s got to beat.”

Looks like a lot of people in the golfing community are rooting for the 34-year-old golfer to claim his Major win again.

What’s with McIlroy’s drought?

Many people agree with the veteran golfer Sir Nick Faldo that Rory McIlroy is one of the top players of his generation. However, since his win at the 2014 Open Championship, the Irishman seems to be experiencing some difficulty with his winning streak. He hasn’t had a single Major win in almost a decade, and the golfing community is anxious.

On several occasions, he came very close to claiming a title but was waylaid unexpectedly, mostly on the back 9s. At the US Open 2023, the Open Championship 2022, the Arnold Palmer Invitational 2023, and several other events, major or otherwise, saw him finish in second place, missing the title by only a handful of shots. But he was not ready to give up the fight.

Finally, his latest win at the Genesis Scottish Open could spell the end of his winning hiatus.

Do you agree that McIlroy has a shot at winning the Open Championship this season? Share your opinions with us in the comments below.

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