Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy reacts on the 18th green after his second round 67 on day two of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 17, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

England's Matt Fitzpatrick places his ball on the 18th green on day two of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 17, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

England's Matt Fitzpatrick reacts on the 18th green on day two of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 17, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy putts on the 18th green on day two of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 17, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy (R) embraces England's Matt Fitzpatrick (L) on the 18th green after his second round 67 on day two of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 17, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy (L) embraces England's Matt Fitzpatrick (R) on the 18th green after his second round 67 on day two of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 17, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy reacts on the 18th green after hsi second round 67 on day two of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 17, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

US golfer Xander Schauffele putt on the 18th green on day two of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 17, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE