'I will have other chances to win Claret Jugs' - Rory McIlroy's love for St Andrews outweighs Open heartache

Rory McIlroy has shrugged off his Open Championship heartbreak, and says the positive memories of St Andrews far outweigh what happened in July. The world No. 2 looked set to lift his ninth major when leading the Open Championship, but Cameron Smith produced a blistering back nine to claim the Claret Jug at St Andrews.

Ad McIlroy admitted afterwards that it was a tough defeat to swallow, but he bounced back to win the FedEx Cup for a record third time. Alfred Dunhill Links ChampionshipMcIlroy struggles and Mansell moves in wild weather at Alfred Dunhill Links Championship20 HOURS AGO St Andrews is likely to host the Open again in 2027, although that has still to be confirmed, and McIlroy feels he will get a chance to contend for the major when it returns to the home of golf. “I have had so many great memories over the years,” McIlroy said of St Andrews.

“It is where I got my Tour card, and played two Open Championships here — played great in both of them. “I have had so many great memories here and those memories far outweigh what happened in July.” 'We need to blood some new guys' — Home Ryder Cup ideal place to field rookies, says McIlroy McIlroy urges PGA Tour and LIV to find solution following 'ugly' year for the sport McIlroy feels it would be a mistake to dwell on the agony of one setback compared to many positive memories — such as playing alongside his dad at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. “I wish things would have worked out differently, but at the same time St Andrews means a lot more to me than trying to win a Claret Jug here,” he said.