Sweden's Ludvig Aberg watches his drive from the 2nd tee on day three of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 18, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy walks from off the 13th fairway on day three of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 18, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy plays from the dirt on the 13th hole on day three of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 18, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy plays from the dirt on the 13th hole on day three of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 18, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

The ball of Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, in the dirt on the 13th hole on day three of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 18, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

US golfer Jacob Bridgeman leaves the 12th green on day three of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 18, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy leaves the 12th green on day three of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 18, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy speaks with his caddie Harry Diamond on the 12th green on day three of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 18, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE