Rory McIlroy runs into Nick Faldo during Birkdale scouting trip

Rory McIlroy visited Royal Birkdale in Southport, England on Thursday, June 25, 2026, just days after his T-32 finish at the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, to scout the course ahead of the July 16-19 Open Championship. During his visit, McIlroy ran into Nick Faldo, who will be covering the major for Sky Sports. Royal Birkdale is hosting its first Open Championship since Jordan Spieth won the title there in 2017.