![\"Rory](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/0_Genesis-Scottish-Open-2025-Day-Three.jpg\")
Rory McIlroy has received some valuable advice ahead of The Open(Image: Christian Petersen, Getty Images)<\/p>\nThe Open Championship gets underway at Royal Portrush on Thursday, with 2014 champion Rory McIlroy among the major contenders to get his hands on the Claret JugRory McIlroy has received some valuable advice ahead of The Open(Image: Christian Petersen, Getty Images)<\/p>\n
The 153rd Open Championship<\/a> returns to Royal Portrush this weekend, with Rory McIlroy<\/a> in serious contention to win on home soil. However, Xander Schauffele<\/a> will be a tough man to beat as he defends his title in Northern Ireland<\/a>.<\/p>\n McIlroy is in top form for his homecoming, having just finished second in the Genesis Scottish Open. Twelve years after first winning the Claret Jug, the 36-year-old is back in fray and has received some sage advice from two former champions.<\/p>\n One previous Open winner is eager to see McIlroy triumph but is acutely aware of the pressure on his shoulders this weekend. Another wants to see the world No. 2 opt for the light-hearted approach following a tricky few months.<\/p>\n In other news, Schauffele’s father has disclosed the hefty price it would take for his son to abandon the PGA Tour<\/a> for LIV Golf<\/a>. And the figure might not be what the organisers of the Saudi-funded series were hoping for.<\/p>\n \u00a3296m LIV claim made by star’s dad<\/p>\n Despite many stars leaving the PGA for lucrative deals with LIV, Schauffele has remained loyal to the tour that made him famous. However, this loyalty was tested when the Californian was offered between \u00a3112million and \u00a3148m to join the deserters.<\/p>\n These figures were mentioned by Stefan, Schauffele’s dad, as well as his long-time swing coach and agent, in a recent interview with The Times<\/a>. But according to Schauffele Sr, even doubling that offer wouldn’t have been enough to persuade his son to leave.<\/p>\n “They could’ve doubled the money and we still wouldn’t do it,” said Stefan. For the Schauffele family, securing the ranking points needed to qualify for major championships remains the top priority.<\/p>\n Given this stance, there’s may be no realistic sum LIV could present that would tempt Schauffele, who pocketed \u00a32.3m for his Open triumph<\/a> last year, to abandon the PGA Tour. The defending Open champion will once again put his reputation on the line as he attempts to become the tournament’s first consecutive winner since Padraig Harrington<\/a> in 2008.<\/p>\n Open winner offers McIlroy guidance<\/p>\n Speaking of Harrington, the Irishman feels for McIlroy as he arrives at Royal Portrush carrying enormous expectations. Having ended his major drought this year and completed the career Grand Slam by capturing the Masters, he’s now in excellent form and competing in familiar territory.<\/p>\n Everything appears perfectly positioned for the Northern Irish sensation to mount a serious challenge on a course he knows intimately. However, Harrington warned of the potential pitfalls that can emerge when things seem almost too favourable.<\/p>\n “Yeah, poor Rory, everyone seems to build up the pressure on him being the favourite,” he told BBC Sport<\/a>. “But if you want to be at that level the pressure’s always going to be on you. Clearly, he knows Portrush very well, he’ll have the support and there’s no doubt we’d love to see an Irish winner.”<\/p>\n McIlroy’s recent runner-up finish at the Scottish Open has quelled the drama surrounding his driver. And Padraig Harrington believes McIlroy is set for more major wins, regardless of this weekend’s outcome.<\/p>\n “Him going with the Masters’ jacket, I think it’s enough for him to just swan around and wave to the crowds,” the three-time major winner opined. “He doesn’t have to win. The people always want him to win the next major or whatever, but it doesn’t have to be this one. I know it would be nice to be Portrush, but he’ll win plenty more majors.”<\/p>\n McIlroy told to lighten up<\/p>\n After his victory at Augusta, which ended an 11-year drought for a major title, McIlroy seemed on top of the world<\/a>. However, trouble soon followed when his Masters-winning driver was deemed to be non-conforming with regulations<\/a> at the PGA Championship.<\/p>\n Forced to abandon his most reliable club, McIlroy faced a series of disappointing performances. And in order to deal with any outside pressure coming his way, six-time major champion Lee Trevino suggested McIlroy should handle such situations with a sense of humour.<\/p>\n![\"Xander](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/0_GettyImages-2175527794.jpg\")
Xander Schauffele’s dad has said even a \u00a3296m offer wouldn’t be enough to lure his son to LIV Golf(Image: Harry How\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Padraig](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/0_GettyImages-1409905487.jpg\")
Padraig Harrington is certain McIlroy has more major titles in his future, regardless of what happens at The Open this weekend(Image: Mark Runnacles\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Rory](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/0_GettyImages-2225063717.jpg\")
Six-time major champion Lee Trevino has advised McIlroy to take the high road with fans(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n