Sam Frost

Rory McIlroy faced questions at a pre-Open Championship press conference about speculation that his absence from the King’s Honours list might relate to a tax authority red flag tied to a 2013 investment scheme. He denied any knowledge of such an issue and said he had not sought clarification. The scheme, linked to regional regeneration projects, was later deemed lawful. McIlroy also reflected on returning to The Open and his goals for the final major of the season after a strong finish at the Scottish Open.