Rory McIlroy was in good spirits after his Open Championship practice round at Royal Portrush before being irked by a group of professional autograph huntersSam Frost Senior sports reporter and Mark Whiley Sports Reporter
09:05, 16 Jul 2025Updated 11:52, 16 Jul 2025
Rory McIlroy made time for young fans after a practice round at Portrush(Image: Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Rory McIlroy put professional autograph hunters in their place ahead of the Open Championship at Portrush.
The Holywood hero graciously spent more than 10 minutes signing autographs for young fans on Tuesday as the Co Antrim course prepares to host the golf major for the first time since 2019. But the Masters champion was left unimpressed by one group, which had already pestered him for signatures earlier in the week.
Following an early practice round with Darren Clarke and Tom McKibbin, McIlroy dropped a few practice balls for some extra reps before making time for his fans. He was first presented with a portrait by talented 15-year-old artist Lucia Heaney, who had won a local competition.
On the opposite side of the green, a large crowd of fans gathered, with a chorus of children begging their hero to sign their hats, flags, head covers and trading cards, among other items.
McIlroy was generous with his time, moving up and down the line and doing everything he could to please as many people as possible. Of course, he was once that child, attending Open Championships and eagerly seeking autographs and memorabilia from his favourite stars.
However, the Masters champion couldn’t conceal his irritation upon noticing a couple of professional autograph hunters in the crowd, especially after having already obliged them with signatures on Monday.
McIlroy, who was focused on creating unforgettable moments for as many children as possible, addressed the persistent autograph seekers directly, saying: “Guys, I’ve signed enough for you this week.”
When the pair claimed they were innocent, McIlroy didn’t hesitate to respond firmly: “Yeah, you have.” He then ended the situation by telling them: “Stop lying. Get off the fence and let the kids come in.”
The golfer’s security guard stepped in and threatened to eject the autograph hunters if they refused to leave. The incident echoes a similar frustration expressed by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who earlier in the year vented his annoyance at professional autograph hunters pestering him for signatures at matches.
The spotlight in on McIlroy ahead of the 153rd Open Championship(Image: Stuart Kerr/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
Despite his busy schedule in the US, McIlroy treasures the rare chances to visit home, expressing his joy during Tuesday’s press conference about returning to where his journey began. He said: “It means an awful lot. It’s weird, it doesn’t feel like six years have passed since 2019. I think it’s amazing that Portrush has this opportunity so soon after the last Open to host again.
“Just great to be back. I don’t spend a lot of time in these parts anymore, just with travel schedule, living abroad, all that stuff. To be here, to see a lot of familiar faces, every hole on the course has a different team of marshals from different golf clubs.
“Just to see people that I’ve met throughout the years out there this morning was really nice. It’s really nice to be back, and obviously very excited for the week.”