Former Rory McIlroy ally delivers crushing Open verdict: "The spark has gone out of him"

Rory McIlroy's former agent Andrew 'Chubby' Chandler believes the spark has gone from the Northern Irishman. 

The 37-year-old heads to Royal Birkdale next week for the final men's major of the year.

He will arrive at the 154th Open Championship having successfully defended his Masters title. 

McIlroy's win at Augusta National led to suggestions he could potentially land all four men's major titles in 2026.

But he underwhelmed at the PGA Championship endured a disappointing finish at the U.S. Open despite being in contention after 36 holes. 

Chandler, who was McIlroy's manager at the beginning of his career before they split acrimoniously in 2011, believes the spark has gone out from the golfer ahead of the 2026 Open. 

"At The Open, if it was a damp week with not too much wind, he would be a big favourite but if the course runs fast then it will be a leveller for him," he said.  

"You've got to think the spark has gone out of him. There always seems to be a drop off for Rory now that he's won the career slam."

When McIlroy won his first Masters title in 2025, he experienced a downturn in form. 

He spoke about the challenge of finding a new personal target after completing the career grand slam, admitting he had to identify a new 'Everest' to climb

Chandler believes that McIlroy is once again struggling for motivation. 

And he believes McIlroy won't have a chance to win his second Claret Jug, and first since 2014, if the weather doesn't cooperate in Southport. 

"One thing I don't understand is that he struggles when there's a bit of wind and the greens are firm," he said. 

"I don't understand that because you get that at Augusta. At the US Open, his wedge play was hopeless in places. 

"Yet he's quite a good wedge player. It didn't tally with what was going on. 

"What you were watching was odd because you know he's a good wedge player."

Still, Chandler reckons McIlroy will add to his tally of six major wins before he eventually retires.

McIlroy has made it clear in recent months what his remaining career goals are. 

He has expressed a desire to win a U.S. Open at an iconic venue, an Open at St Andrews and an Olympic medal

McIlroy also wants to become Europe's greatest player in the Ryder Cup 

Sergio Garcia is Europe's leading points score with 28.5, whilst McIlroy has amassed 21.5 points from eight appearances. 

"I'd be surprised if he doesn't win a major somewhere," added Chandler. "If the green is soft he can win more majors. 

"His chipping has also gone off. That’s what happens when you win. He dropped off after he won the career slam but that’s no surprise. 

"When you've had that as your focus for five years, it's going to be more difficult to get up after that."

Chandler was speaking to BetVictor.