Rory McIlroy waits on late draw as defending Open champ pulls out

Rory McIlroy will wait until after 3pm on Thursday to tee off at Royal Birkdale after the defending champion withdrew from The Open. The world No. 2 faces a late draw and will not play until 3:15pm local time alongside 2024 winner Xander Schauffele and Ryder Cup teammate Matt Fitzpatrick in the marquee afternoon group.

What happened at Royal Birkdale?

The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale begins on 16-19 July with eyes on Rory McIlroy. Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1, was set to defend his Claret Jug but pulled out due to a back issue. The American missed his first cut in four years at the Scottish Open last week and now skips the year’s third major.

Louis Oosthuizen, the 2010 Open winner at St Andrews, also pulled out with a back injury. The 43-year-old South African posted on social media: “Unfortunately, due to a back injury, I’ve had to withdraw from both The Open and LIV Golf’s JCB event.” Oosthuizen’s absence leaves a gap in the field at the Southport links.

Why it matters for Rory McIlroy

McIlroy’s recent Open form has been strong. He has three top-seven finishes in his last four starts, including a tie for seventh at the 2024 PGA Championship. His only Claret Jug came at nearby Royal Liverpool in 2014. After winning the Masters in April, his major performances have slipped with a tie for 32nd at the 2024 US Open.

The late draw means McIlroy will tee off at 10:09am on Friday in a marquee group with Schauffele and Fitzpatrick. He’ll watch Scheffler’s early start at 9:58am alongside Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton. Immediately behind them, at 10:09am, are Tommy Fleetwood, Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm.

What comes next for McIlroy

McIlroy’s path to the Claret Jug runs through a stacked field. Scheffler’s absence leaves the door ajar for a first successful defense since Padraig Harrington in 2008. McIlroy’s group on Friday includes Schauffele, the 2024 champion, and Fitzpatrick, his Ryder Cup partner.

The R&A has unveiled a 154th Open collection ahead of the tournament at Royal Birkdale. McIlroy’s late start on Thursday means he’ll watch Scheffler’s early bid for redemption before his own round on Friday. The world No. 2 aims to add to his lone major with a strong showing on the Southport links.