Skip to content

McIlroy finishes at even despite 17 birdies: 'I make too many mistakes'

David Davies - PA Images / PA Images / Getty

Rory McIlroy extended his winless streak in major championships to 26 with an even-par finish at the Open Championship.

But the four-time major winner - whose last victory at one of the sport's biggest events came at the 2014 PGA Championship - feels there are parts of his game that suggest he should have contended.

"There is a lot of birdies in there but a lot of bogeys, too," McIlroy said. "I think it's just more the bogey avoidance and the mental errors, because I've made 17 birdies this week, which is more than enough to challenge to win this golf tournament. It's just I make too many mistakes, and that's the part that I need to try to get right."

The good-spirited McIlroy poked fun at himself, as well.

"If you want someone to shoot even par for you for a week, I'm your man," he said.

Even with his 17 birdies, McIlroy will finish outside the top 40. He missed the cut in his last Open appearance after recording three straight top-fives.

There's still plenty of important golf remaining on this season's schedule, though. McIlroy will take part in the Olympics and FedEx Cup playoffs before turning his attention to the Ryder Cup.

"I need to look at the positives," McIlroy said.

"I want to just try to get on a good stretch of golf," he added. "I've got probably four tournaments between now and the Ryder Cup, and I sort of just want to focus on them first before I turn my attention to (the Ryder Cup)."

MORE STORIES

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox