Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy reacts during a press conference held ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy attends a press conference held ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

A marshall prevent spectators crossing the course during practice for the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy attends a press conference held ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

US golfer Scottie Scheffler attends a press conference held ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Japan's Kazuki Higa watches his iron shot from the 7th tee during practice for the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen watches his shot from the 7th tee during practice for the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Broken tees and divots are pictured on the 7th tee during practice for the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE