Rory McIlroy admits he knew very early that he would miss the cut for The Open, after finishing on 11-over-par after Round Two at Royal Troon.
The Northern Irish golfer was looking for redemption after falling short at the US Open and to end his decade-long quest for a next major win.
But a nightmare opening round on Thursday saw that dream go up in flames, finishing seven-over-par, and leaving him with a near-impossible task on Friday to even make the cut.
With the rainy and windy conditions causing havoc on the already tricky course, the projected cut was five-over but McIlroy’s nightmare just kept getting worse, with his lowest moment coming at the fourth hole, where he triple-bogeyed.
He finished the day with a round of 75 and 11-over-par overall, meaning he has missed the cut at The Open for the first time since 2019.
‘I’ve had 14 holes to deal with everything. After the eight on four, I resigned myself to the fact I wouldn’t be here for the weekend,’ the 35-year-old told Sky Sports.
‘That four-hole stretch at the start of the round was unfortunate in the worst of the wind. The wind died down on the back nine and it became more manageable for me.
‘Over the course of the two days, I guess the conditions got the better of me. That was the story of the week.
‘I think I have to remind myself that I am close and keep giving myself chances. These disappointing Sundays are racking up, but I’d much rather have disappointing Sundays than be going home on a Friday night.
‘I’ve got to keep doing what I’m doing, reflect on the windy conditions getting the better of me at two of the majors this year. That is something I am going to have to address going forward.’
But McIlroy wasn’t the only big name who failed to make the cut, with Viktor Hovland, US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau and Tommy Fleetwood among those missing out.
Tiger Woods also failed to make the cut, finishing on 14-over, while leader Shane Lowry has a two-shot advantage after finishing day two on a very impressive seven-under-par.
And McIlroy has thrown his support behind the Irishman who claimed his only major to date at The Open five years ago.
‘I can’t wait to watch this weekend. He [Lowry] relishes these conditions,’ he added.
‘He gets more up for this than anything else. I’m looking forward to cheering him on and him hopefully getting his second Jug.’
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