**Rory McIlroy Faces Health Battle as He Pursues Another Open Title**
Golf’s elite gathered at Royal Portrush this weekend for The Open, where Rory McIlroy is attempting a challenging comeback amidst stiff competition. Yet, behind the scenes, the Northern Irishman is grappling not only with rivals on the course but also with a little-publicised medical condition that has shadowed much of his career.
American world number one, Scottie Scheffler, will tee off on the final day with a formidable four-stroke advantage over Haotong Li and sits five clear ahead of England’s Matt Fitzpatrick. McIlroy, meanwhile, shares fourth place with Chris Gotterup and Tyrell Hatton, trailing Scheffler by six shots as the drama unfolds into the final round.
McIlroy’s performance so far has been impressive, particularly his third-round display in which he carded a 66—a score matching his best weekend showings in major championships. With four birdies and an eagle, he has propelled himself into contention and granted himself what he called “half a chance” at lifting the Claret Jug for a second time.
The 35-year-old’s pursuit of another Open victory comes three months after he clinched a memorable Masters win, further reinforcing his standing as one of the sport’s most talented and recognised players. However, not all spectators are aware that McIlroy’s journey at the highest level has unfolded against the backdrop of a serious health issue—myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle.
This condition, which McIlroy has managed since he was 20, typically arises as a rare complication following a viral infection. For those affected, symptoms can include chest pain, palpitations, and difficulty breathing, although some are fortunate to experience few signs at all. In particularly severe cases, myocarditis can lead to heart muscle scarring, increasing the risk of life-threatening complications such as heart attacks or strokes.
McIlroy first spoke publicly about his diagnosis in 2018, during an interview with The Telegraph. Reflecting on a bout of illness contracted in China 18 months before, he revealed, “I’ve got a bit of an irregularity with my heart that I have to keep on top of. I have a flat T-wave and I’ll have to get an ECG every six months and an MRI scan each year.” According to his doctors, the viral infection left him with thickening and scarring of his left ventricle.
Despite these challenges, McIlroy has emphasised that his health regime fits seamlessly with the professional discipline required in elite sport. “For now, I just need to stay on top of it and have to stay fit,” he stated. “Hey, I was planning on doing that anyway.” His pragmatic outlook echoes the resilience he so often displays on the fairways.
To maintain his health, McIlroy regularly undergoes electrocardiograms and MRI scans to monitor his condition. Earlier this year, he discussed his ongoing battle in more detail on the WHOOP podcast. He explained how continuous monitoring of metrics such as heart rate variability offers reassurance and helps him make informed decisions about his training and workload.
“I have myocarditis, and I’ve had it since I was 20-years-old. I wear WHOOP and monitor my heart rate variability and heart rate,” he said. Noting that hydration and sufficient magnesium intake are vital for heart rhythm stability in myocarditis patients, he added, “To be able to keep on top of that just gives me massive peace of mind.”
As McIlroy faces the challenge of closing the gap against a commanding Scheffler on Open Sunday, his resolve to manage a hidden health battle is an inspiring subplot. While fans focus on his swings and putts, his story is also a reminder that resilience often extends far beyond what unfolds between the ropes.
Whether or not he lifts the trophy, McIlroy’s journey combines extraordinary sporting talent with personal determination—a reminder of the unseen hurdles that many athletes overcome in their pursuit of greatness.