Full Breakdown
Rory McIlroy Makes the Cut at the 2026 Open but Needs a Big Weekend for a Second Claret Jug
7/18/2026, 6:59:02 AM
Core Event
On Friday, July 17 2026, world No. 2 Rory McIlroy posted a 3-under-par 67 at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, lifting his total to 1-under after 36 holes and securing a place in the weekend field of the 154th Open Championship. He remains seven strokes behind leader Lucas Herbert, who carded a record-tying 62.
Background & Context
McIlroy captured his first Open title in 2014 at nearby Royal St George’s. The 2026 edition returns to the links-style Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, where slow-green conditions have challenged many competitors. On Friday, Australian Lucas Herbert and American Sam Burns each posted 62, tying the major-championship low-round record.
Data & Statistics
- Round 1: 72 (+2) – McIlroy’s opening score placed him at 2-over.
- Round 2: 67 (-3) – four birdies, one bogey, 13 pars; his driving gained 3.23 strokes off the tee, while his putting improved to +0.14 strokes versus a -2.72 deficit on Thursday.
- Overall after 36 holes: 1-under par, tied for 12th place.
- Leader’s score: Lucas Herbert, 8-under after 36 holes (62-62).
- Driving highlights: 377-yard drive that rolled onto the 9th-hole green, followed by an 11-foot birdie putt; a 389-yard drive produced a birdie in round 1.
Official Statements & Responses
McIlroy acknowledged that making the cut was his primary goal and emphasized the need to “trust and commit” to his reads on Birkdale’s notoriously slow greens. He worked with putting specialist Brad Faxon between rounds, noting a modest improvement in confidence but still feeling “not 100 % comfortable.” The Irishman said his game plan for the weekend is to leverage his driver, stating that “any time I can get a driver in my hand, I’m going to try to” and hoping to “get off to a decent start tomorrow” to move into the 4- or 5-under range.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts have highlighted McIlroy’s persistent putting woes. On Thursday he ranked 155th of 156 players in strokes-gained on the greens, losing three strokes to the field. Although his second-round putting showed modest gains, he still described his putts as “unnerving” when the ball behaved differently from his read.
Verbatim Quotes
- “but still didn’t feel 100% comfortable. Hopefully try to figure that out as the week goes on.” — Rory McIlroy, Player
- “No wonder he said as he contemplated his performance: “I think the main objective today was to be here for the weekend, which I am.” — Rory McIlroy, Player
- “I didn't even think about it,” — Rory McIlroy, Player
- “Honestly, my gameplan was to hit it to the top of the hill and hit a wedge on and go from there,” — Rory McIlroy, Player
- “There's a couple of guys up there, this will be sort of their first experience of playing in the lead at a major championship on the weekend.” — Rory McIlroy, Player
What’s Next
McIlroy aims to start round 3 with a “decent start,” targeting a total of 4- or 5-under for the tournament. Achieving that score would place him among the leaders and keep his bid for a second Open title alive.
