Rory McIlroy Fights to Stay in Contention at The Open 2026

Rory McIlroy pars on No. 10, but faces a tough task ahead after a big moment on the ninth. He goes left off the tee into the native area and will have to work hard to get out of this situation.

What happened?

Rory McIlroy's round has been a mixed bag so far. He's had some good moments, but also some not-so-good ones. On the ninth, he had a big moment, but it's not clear what will happen next.

Why it matters for Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy's performance at The Open 2026 is crucial for his chances of winning the tournament. He's been struggling on the back nine, and it's not clear if he can turn things around.

What comes next?

Rory McIlroy will have to regroup and focus on his game if he wants to stay in contention. He'll need to make some birdies and avoid any more mistakes if he wants to stay in the running.

Ryan Fox has been playing some great golf, and he's now walking to the 18th tee needing a birdie to shoot the first 61 in men's major championship history. He's been on a roll, and it's not clear if he can keep it up.

Putting Fox's rise in context

Ryan Fox began the day at even par, but he's now in a great position to make history. He's moved from 0.1 percent odds to win to 3.3 percent, and he's now a serious contender.

Xander Schauffele is also in contention, and he's sent his uphill nitro putt past the hole before rolling in a tricky downhill return for birdie. He's now 4-under, and he's still in the running.

Fox's turn to bid for history!

Ryan Fox finds rough to the right of the par-5 17th but advances it, then plays a superb third to within a few feet to set up a birdie putt. He holes to go 8-under and suddenly, he's on for ANOTHER 62!

Rory McIlroy's struggles on the back nine have put him in a tough spot, but he's still in the running. He'll need to make some birdies and avoid any more mistakes if he wants to stay in contention.