Why McIlroy Has a Special Fondness for National Title Tournaments

Eight Wins in Seven Countries Including the US Open and The Open
A Travel Enthusiast Who Loves Exploring the World
Enjoys Playing Golf Across the Globe

World No. 2 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) is a collector of national titles.

He has won seven times at six different national title tournaments: the US Open (2011), Australian Open (2013), The Open (2014), Irish Open (2016), Canadian Open (2019, 2022), and Scottish Open (2023). Including the Hong Kong Open (2011), he has secured eight victories at seven national title events. He also competed in the Korea Open twice, in 2009 and 2011, finishing third in 2009 and as runner-up in 2011.

Lori McIlroy is holding a press conference ahead of the Travelers Championship opening. Cromwell, USA - AFP Yonhap News Photo by AFP

During a press conference on June 18 (local time), one day before the start of the PGA Tour Travelers Championship, McIlroy was asked why he is particularly fond of national title tournaments. He replied, "I love to travel. I enjoy playing all over the world."

Unlike some of the era's most popular players such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Scottie Scheffler (all USA), McIlroy is known for competing around the globe. Woods played only one or two tournaments outside the United States each year at most, and Mickelson rarely crossed the Atlantic or Pacific except for The Open.

Each year, McIlroy starts his season in the Middle East and travels to both distant and nearby locations, including China, Hong Kong, Korea, East Asia, and Australia. He is also scheduled to compete in the DP World Championship in India this October, marking his first visit to the country. McIlroy explained, "I've always wanted to visit India, and the timing and significance of this new tournament seemed perfect, so I decided to participate."

He has even signed a contract to play in the Australian Open for the next two consecutive years. "I've always had a special affection for Australia," McIlroy said. "This year, the tournament will be held at Royal Melbourne, and next year at Kingston Heath. Both are among the world's finest golf courses. I'm really looking forward to playing there again."