Rory’s Story—the Mystifying Missing Major

Rory McIlroy’s re-emergence at last week’s Scottish Open dispelled all notions that the four-time major winner would be in a serious hangover from his meltdown

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts on the 13th green during a practice round prior to The 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon in Troon, Scotland, on July 16, 2024. Harry How/Getty Images

TROON, Scotland—Rory McIlroy’s re-emergence at last week’s Scottish Open dispelled all notions that the four-time major winner would be in a serious hangover from his meltdown at this year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst.

His T4 finish was notable in dealing with a balky putter—finishing No. 63 in the field for putting but still able to score impressively, with rounds of 65–66–67–68. Credit a superior tee-to-green effort in ranking second in the field for both Strokes Gained: Off the-Tee and Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green.