Rory McIlroy stunned members of St. Enodoc Golf Club in Cornwall by arriving for an unannounced practice round alongside Shane Lowry and Luke Donald. The trio played the links course on the north coast of Cornwall as McIlroy prepares for the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, which begins on July 16.
McIlroy’s Surprise Appearance Draws Crowd
The Northern Irishman, currently based in the US, flew to the UK early to sharpen his game before the Open. He is joined by Lowry and Donald at St. Enodoc, a club that confirmed the visit via social media. The club posted multiple pictures of the three golfers on the course with the caption: "Welcome to St. Enodoc, Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Luke Donald."
As word spread, a growing crowd of members and local golf fans gathered to watch the trio. Lowry reposted one of the club's updates and commented: "Links golf season. Thanks to the members and staff @stenodocgolf for a great day."
Open Championship Preview
McIlroy, the Masters champion, is pursuing his second Open title, his first since 2014. World number one Scottie Scheffler will defend the crown he won at Royal Portrush last year, aiming to avoid his first major-less campaign since 2023. Other contenders include PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai, US Open champion Wyndham Clark, and home hopefuls Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick.
Before the Open, many elite players will compete in the Genesis Scottish Open in East Lothian, starting July 9. McIlroy’s early arrival in Cornwall suggests he is taking extra steps to prepare for the year’s final major.
Chris Gotterup Wins John Deere Classic in Emotional Victory
Chris Gotterup broke down in tears after winning the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Illinois, with his older brother Patrick serving as his caddie. The 26-year-old American carded a nine-under-par 62 in the final round, making nine birdies without a bogey to finish at 20 under par.
Gotterup started the day five shots behind overnight leaders Lucas Glover and Lee Hodges. He overtook them with a flawless round, winning by one stroke over Max Homa, who shot a 64. Glover and Hodges both returned 69s to share third place with Ben Kohles, who was tied for the lead on the 18th hole but found water with his approach and failed to save par.
In a post-round interview with CBS reporter Amanda Balionis, Gotterup became emotional with Patrick beside him. He said: "I really like this tournament, they've been super nice to me, and to come out here and to have Patrick out here with me... it's just so awesome." Overcome with emotion, he added: "For him to take time out this week and some PTO (paid time off), and hopefully he gets one more day of PTO tomorrow from work, but yeah, just so awesome, this tournament has been awesome to me. It's just a great week."
This marks Gotterup’s third PGA Tour victory of the year, continuing a strong season.
