'Stuck in Neutral,' Rory McIlroy Assesses British Open After His Worst Major Finish of Season

Rory McIlroy doesn't think he ever found a groove at Royal Birkdale Golf Club as he fell well short of winning a second Open Championship title.

"I was just sort of stuck in neutral for most of the week," he told reporters after completing his final round. "Even par over the weekend is not going to get it done. I just felt like any time I got a little bit of momentum out there, I seemed to make a bogey. It was just one of those weeks I couldn't get it going.

"This season feels very similar to last season. Obviously I won the first major of the year and fell off a little bit after that, but any time you win a major in a year, you have to be pleased about that."

McIlroy finished the Open Championship at one under and tied for 40th, which is his worst showing in the four majors this year. He carded a two-over 72 in the first round and failed to make a big move after that.

This adds to a frustrating year for the six-time major winner. Successfully defending his Masters title was obviously a massive achievement, but that's his only win of 2026. He has also logged a lighter schedule. Along with the majors, he has seven appearances in PGA Tour-sanctioned events.

McIlroy indicated he intends to take a break ahead of the FedExCup playoffs, which get underway in mid-August.

"I haven't really taken the time to enjoy that or celebrate that," he said in reference to his Masters effort. "Poppy's got another four weeks off school until she goes back, so I'm just going to enjoy the summer holidays with her and Erica. That's what I'm looking forward to the most."

Last summer, McIlroy made waves for skipping the first leg of the playoffs altogether. He declined to make the trek to Memphis, Tennessee, for the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

It's doubtful he does that again, but it's safe to rule him out for the three tournaments (3M Open, Rocket Classic and Wyndham Championship) between now and then.

Having achieved everything he can on a golf course, McIlroy appears content to maintain the work-life balance he desires, even if it comes at the expense of his performance.