The Northern Ireland great first played at one of the world’s most prestigious tournaments in 2007 as a teenager, when he was crowned best amateur, and sealed major success seven years later.
He’s back on home soil this summer, kicking off his 2025 campaign at Royal Portrush on Thursday, so we thought it would be timely to take a walk down memory lane and look at his previous Open performances.
5. 2012: McIlroy finishes T60th
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks to a green during the final round of the 141st Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club Photo: Ross Kinnaird
6. 2013: McIlroy misses The Open cut for the first time
Rory McIlroy walks off the green after finishing the second round of the 142nd Open Championship at Muirfield Photo: Rob Carr
7. 2014: McIlroy wins his third major title
Rory McIlroy celebrates with the Claret Jug after winning his third major title and first Open. He'd add a fourth soon after before waiting another 11 years for a fifth. Photo: ANDREW YATES
8. 2016: Another solid showing from McIlroy
After missing the 2015 tournament, McIlroy returned to The Open in 2016 with a tied-fifth finish at Royal Troon. Photo: Andrew Redington