Rory McIlroy Headlines Open Debate as Sir Nick Faldo Picks Seve Over Northern Irish Star
As the 153rd Open Championship tees off at Royal Portrush, all eyes fall squarely on Northern Ireland’s homegrown icon — Rory McIlroy. With roaring crowds and soaring expectations, McIlroy’s quest to etch his name as Europe’s greatest ever golfer takes centre stage this week.
Sir Nick Faldo, six-time major winner and the last Englishman to win The Open, has weighed in on the fiercely debated topic: can McIlroy surpass the legends of the game?
“That could always be debated on the numbers,” Faldo told talkSPORT.com. “But I think what he’s done and the number of tournaments he wins. The rareness, the uniqueness, being the sixth man to win the Grand Slam. I would put him past me. Whether you want to battle against Seve…
“I think what he’s done is phenomenal. You know, with the majors, the Grand Slam and the number of tournaments he’s won on the European Tour and in America is amazing.
“I think Seve paved the way in so many different things. So I’d put him smidgen behind Seve right now.”
There it is — Faldo rates McIlroy above himself, but just shy of Spanish maestro Seve Ballesteros. It’s a verdict that will only fuel the fire as McIlroy chases a dream ending on home soil.
McIlroy’s relationship with Portrush is complicated. He once broke the course record here as a teenager. But in 2019, the weight of a nation on his back, he suffered a disastrous start. A quadruple bogey at the first hole effectively ended his Open campaign before it began.
Now older, wiser, and freshly energised after completing the career Grand Slam at Augusta, McIlroy returns a changed man. He finished runner-up at the Scottish Open just days ago. He’s striking it well. The mood is different.
“He’s here with unbelievable support… Hopeful, he hits a better tee shot than last time,” said Faldo.
The Northern Irishman isn’t alone in his title hopes. World No.1 Scottie Scheffler comes in as the favourite. England’s Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, and Tyrrell Hatton also carry the hopes of breaking the curse that’s lingered since Faldo’s 1992 triumph.
Faldo offered candid insight into each contender.
On Justin Rose: “Rosey is the most obvious choice for an English winner, isn’t he?… I think Rosey has a pretty good formula on that.”
On Tommy Fleetwood: “It’s just a mental strength, isn’t it?… You’ve got to put yourself in situations like that to learn from the experience.”
On Tyrrell Hatton: “He has a different approach, doesn’t he?… Whether he has a little rant for 10 seconds, which is fine… You kind of doubt it.”
And on Robert MacIntyre, the Scottish hope: “So, it’s got to suit the Scottish and Irish boys this week. We’re used to playing in that.”
This is links golf. Unpredictable. Unforgiving. Coastal winds and heavy rain are expected to make Royal Portrush a brutal test. Shot-shaping will be essential. Precision will win over power.
“Pot bunkers, you’re coming out backwards or sideways. And then the rough is, you know, it’s brutal,” warned Faldo. “You’ve got to play smart golf, not mega aggressive golf, I believe.”
Bryson DeChambeau and his power game may need to adapt quickly. Scheffler’s finesse and calm mindset could give him an edge. But the one question that truly lingers — can McIlroy finally win The Open on home soil?
Faldo’s endorsement puts McIlroy close to European greatness. But until that Claret Jug is in his hands again, and especially at Royal Portrush, the debate continues.
“He has the opportunity to go into a different category,” said Faldo. “Let me go. Let me get out there.”
That’s what McIlroy will try to do. With the wind howling, crowds roaring, and legacy on the line, this is more than just another major. For McIlroy, it’s personal.
And perhaps, historic.
