Rory McIlroy Prioritizes Family Ahead of The Open with Lightened Schedule

Rory McIlroy admits he’s playing fewer tournaments to spend more time with family ahead of The Open at Royal Troon

Rory McIlroy is taking a lighter PGA Tour schedule this year to protect his energy and family time before The Open Championship at Royal Troon on 18-21 July. The Northern Irish star has cut his tournament count short of his 2025 pace, yet remains among the favorites for golf’s oldest major.

Why McIlroy is cutting back

McIlroy has played three fewer events than at this point in 2025, but he insists the trade-off is worth it. “I need to do everything I can to keep my enthusiasm as high as possible,” he said. “Playing a lighter schedule definitely does that.” He added that the extra practice days and family focus have helped him start tournaments strongly, even if late-round slips have cost him wins.

How his lighter load has played out

McIlroy’s early rounds have been sharp. At the U.S. Open on 13-16 June he shot 73-73 over the weekend after contending. At the Scottish Open on 11-14 July he shared the lead after 18 and 36 holes before finishing inside the top 10. His issue isn’t the first two rounds-it’s the final weekend where he’s lost ground.

Oddsmakers still love McIlroy’s Open chances

Despite the lighter schedule, bookmakers have McIlroy at 17-to-2 odds for The Open, second only to Scottie Scheffler at 15-to-1. Scheffler’s recent form dipped at the Scottish Open, where he finished well back after four runner-up finishes and nine top-10s in 15 starts this season. McIlroy’s odds surge reflects his pedigree and the belief he peaks when it matters most.

What’s next for Rory McIlroy

McIlroy arrives at Royal Troon with momentum from strong starts and a clear plan: protect energy, trust the process, and chase Claret Jug history. The Northern Irishman has unfinished business at golf’s final major, and he’s betting his lighter load will keep him fresh when it counts most.