Watch: Rory McIlroy back in Open contention after ‘greatest’ drive

Rory McIlroy carded a three-under-par 67 in the second round of The Open Championship on July 17, 2026, leaving him at one under par and seven shots behind surprise clubhouse leader Lucas Herbert of Australia. McIlroy highlighted his round with a majestic 377-yard drive to the green on the par-four ninth hole at the Southport links. The Northern Irishman vowed to attack aggressively with his driver over the weekend as he chases a second Claret Jug.