When you’re fresh off making history by completing the career Grand Slam, the world expects nothing less than greatness. Rory McIlroy was one of the fan-favorite golfers expected to win, but this year’s PGA Championship performance of McIlroy was nothing but disappointing. “All I can do is go out there and try to play the golf that I know that I am capable of,” He said at the press conference with PGA Championship that the spirit was high at the start of the game, and we also can’t doubt his rhythm for obvious reasons: he has achieved a career Grand Slam.
But the numbers on the scorecard told a different story. After a rough start, he gave fans a glimmer of hope with a solid 69 in the second round. Unfortunately, the weekend rounds of 72 and 72 didn’t do much to change the narrative, and he finished tied for 47th at +3 overall. For an average player, this score might be considered a rough week, but for someone like Rory, it is kind of embarrassing. With the PGA Championship now behind him, all eyes turn to where Rory tees it up next and whether he can bounce back to his winning ways.
So what’s next for him? What all tournaments is he eyeing? Up next on Rory McIlroy’s calendar is what many believe will be his redemption stage: the U.S. Open, taking place June 12–15, 2025, at the legendary Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. This major is already on Rory’s schedule, and for good reason. The U.S. Open is where he made history in 2011 with a record-breaking win, and in recent years, he’s been a consistent presence near the top of the leaderboard. Before heading to Oakmont, Rory is also set to tee it up at the RBC Canadian Open, which is not a major but a tournament he’s won twice and clearly feels comfortable playing. It’s a smart move to build momentum going into the heart of the major season.
Then, the summer of golf heats up even more. Rory is expected to head to the Genesis Scottish Open from July 10–13, an event he often uses to fine-tune his links game. And then the final major of the year, the Open Championship, which is set for July 17–20. The Open isn’t just another major; it’s a fan favorite steeped in tradition, and one that Rory last won in 2014. With the career Grand Slam under his belt after his Masters victory earlier this year, the surrounding excitement returning to the links is electric. Fans are hoping for a strong finish to his major season, and The Open could be the perfect place for Rory to remind the world that his best golf is far from behind him, only if makes it to these tournaments.
Could Rory Shake Up His Summer Plans?
Sure, Rory’s current schedule includes all the exciting tournaments, but golf fans know better than to treat a schedule as gospel. After a tough finish at the PGA Championship, is it possible he rethinks a start or two? Back in 2015, after injuring his ankle playing soccer, he famously pulled out of both the Open Championship and WGC-Bridgestone. Even in 2023, he withdrew from the RBC Heritage despite a commitment after a tough Masters week, sparking debate and even costing him a fine of $3 million.
Now , after a lukewarm showing at the PGA Championship, could Rory once again tweak his calendar? Whether it’s skipping a lead-up event to recharge or adding a tune-up start before The Open, his schedule isn’t set in stone. With pressure mounting and fans hungry for a comeback, don’t be surprised if he makes a strategic adjustment in the weeks ahead. Whether it’s dropping a tune-up event to refocus or sneaking in an extra start to sharpen his edge, his summer schedule might still hold a surprise or two. With expectations high and the season far from over, fans will be watching closely—not just for how he plays, but where he plays next.
The post When Will Rory McIlroy Play Next After PGA Championship Disappointment? Northern Irishman’s Schedule Explored appeared first on EssentiallySports.