Rory McIlroy earned more respect from fans despite falling short in The Open Championship in his home country of Northern Ireland.

So here is our final major big board of the year, ranking the top 30 golfers in the field. This is not simply the 30 best golfers in a vacuum. These are the 30 golfers that our crack team of Gabby Herzig, Hugh Kellenberger and Brody Miller believe are best suited to win this week at Royal Portrush.

How to watch every single shot from the biggest names in golf throughout Round 4 at the 2025 Open Championship

Rory McIlroy didn’t leave Portrush with the Claret Jug under his arm Sunday night, but he was a winner nonetheless at the 153rd British Open.

Here's a look at how McIlroy scored in the third round of The Open Championship: McIlroy shot a 5-under 66 in the third round of The Open Championship on Saturday, July 19. Following an opening-round score of 1-under 70 and 2-under 69 in round two. He is now tied for fourth at 8 under par through three days of competition.

Following a decent outing at Royal Portrush, Rory McIlroy expressed gratitude to the local crowd for their support during the Open Championship.

After Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll looked happier than ever at the 2025 Masters, their presence at the Open Championship didn't exactly scream rekindled romance.

Rory McIlroy finished in a tie for seventh place at The Open, where Scottie Scheffler eased to a four-shot victory over Harris English at Royal Portrush

There was a moment in the middle of the afternoon Saturday at Royal Portrush where it still felt like anything was possible at the 2025 Open Championship. All scenarios were still on the table. Hope ran rampant around the property as the third round trundled on and player after player made birdie after birdie.

Rory McIlroy said he had never experienced anything like what happened to him on the 11th hole during the third round of the Open Championship.

Rory McIlroy arrived in his home country with unfinished business. And even though he lost the Open by seven, left with something more important.