The Northern Irish golfer criticized Bryson DeChambeau’s actions at the 2026 British Open in Southport, England. McIlroy called a penalty against DeChambeau "clearly evident". McIlroy later invited DeChambeau to his Irish Open stop, despite past friction. New Zealand's Ryan Fox secured the title with a final-hole birdie at the coastal course. Fox set a temporary record that another competitor later exceeded with a 54-hole lead during the event. Cameron Young led the leaderboard as the day’s early play leader at the Open.