Rory McIlroy admitted he was stuck in neutral during a disappointing week at The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale, finishing eight strokes behind leader Sam Burns after a final-round 71 left him well off the pace. The world No. 2, who defended his Masters title in April, rallied from an opening 72 with rounds of 67 and 69 but could not mount a serious challenge for a second major of the year.

Since his Augusta victory, McIlroy has managed no better than a tie for seventh in six worldwide starts, including the PGA Championship and U.S. Open. He now turns his attention to the FedExCup Playoffs and the DP World Tour, with back-to-back appearances at the Amgen Irish Open and BMW PGA Championship in September. "The season feels very similar to last season," he said, noting he hasn't taken time to celebrate his major win.

McIlroy, who will fall short of the PGA Tour's 15-event minimum with only 11 starts in 2026, insists he only needs to reach the top 30 for the Tour Championship to contend for the FedExCup. He plans to enjoy summer holidays with daughter Poppy and wife Erica before returning to chase both the FedExCup and Race to Dubai titles.