The Open at the course where he won nine years ago
“It’s time to win a major,” says Ko
Jin Jin Ko, World No. 1 for 162 weeks

Rory McIlroy, 34, of Northern Ireland, who won the Genesis Scottish Open in dramatic fashion on Saturday, is one of the best men’s players in the game. Since turning pro at age 18, he has won 24 times on the U.S. Professional Golf Association (PGA) Tour. He has two wins this season and is ranked No. 2 in the world and No. 3 in FedExCup points.

Heading into The Open, the final major of the year for men’s golf in the United Kingdom, which kicks off on July 20, it’s no surprise that McIlroy’s name is dominating local media headlines, but the spotlight is on him because this year’s tournament will be played at the par-71 Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, England.

The seaside links course is a prestigious venue that has hosted The Open 13 times before this year. The most recent event was held nine years ago in 2014, and the winner was 25-year-old McIlroy. McIlroy went on to win the PGA Championship that year, making him a four-time major champion at the age of 25. Only two other golfers had previously accomplished this feat, Tiger Woods (48) and Jack Nicklaus (83-plus).

But that was the last time McIlroy would win a major. McIlroy is determined to end his major championship drought on a course he had fond memories of nine years ago. After winning the Scottish Open, he said, “My game is more consistent than ever. I think it’s time for me to win a major.” The PGA Tour also has him at No. 1 in its power rankings. After missing the cut at the Masters in April, he rebounded with a tie for seventh at the PGA Championship and a runner-up finish at the U.S. Open.

Last year’s winner Cameron Smith (AUS) will try to make it two in a row, while World No. 1 Scott Schauffler (USA) is also a favorite. South Korean players include Lim Sung-jae, Kim Joo-hyung, Kim Siwoo, Lee Kyung-hoon, Ahn Byung-hoon, Kang Kyung-nam and Kim Biao.

Meanwhile, Ko extended her reign atop the Women’s World Golf Ranking to 162 weeks, surpassing Nelly Korda (USA) by 0.02 points. The Great Lakes Bay Open, which begins on Sept. 20, does not award world ranking points, 카지노사이트 so Ko will hold the top spot for 163 weeks. Neither Ko nor Korda will compete in the two-player event.