Sun Jul 13 14:50:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Clarke Predicts “Really Strong” Showing from McIlroy at Open Championship, Hails Him as Northern Ireland’s Greatest Sportsperson**

Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland – As the 153rd Open Championship approaches at Royal Portrush, former Open champion Darren Clarke is backing Rory McIlroy for a dominant performance. Both Clarke and McIlroy have tasted Open Championship victory once before.

McIlroy, currently ranked world number two, is returning to the same course where he missed the cut in 2019. However, Clarke, who won the Open in 2011, believes McIlroy’s recent accomplishments, including completing the career Grand Slam with a Masters win in April, have elevated his game.

“He’s an even better player now than he was back in those days [2019],” Clarke told BBC Sport NI. “He’s been through everything, he’s got more experience. I think I’d be looking for a really, really strong week from Rory.”

Clarke went on to acclaim McIlroy as Northern Ireland’s greatest ever sportsperson, surpassing even the likes of George Best and Dame Mary Peters. “He’s probably, in my opinion, the best sportsperson we’ve ever had from Northern Ireland, and for him to achieve what he’s achieved, to come here and play, it’s just incredible,” Clarke stated.

In addition to McIlroy, Clarke also expressed high hopes for another Holywood Golf Club product, 22-year-old Tom McKibbin, who will be competing in his second Open Championship. Despite McKibbin’s involvement with the LIV tour, Clarke praised his talent. “Tom’s ball striking was as close to anybody’s I’ve ever seen to Rory,” he said.

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