Thomas Bjorn insists Rory McIlroy provides the X Factor at The Open. And the triumphant 2018 Ryder Cup captain is adamant his old European charge is the individual who can really light up the entire 150th Championship at St Andrews. Bjorn was runner-up to a rampant Tiger Woods in 2000 as the American romped around the Old Course to chalk up the first of his two wins at the Home of Golf.
However, with the 46-year-old struggling to compete to his highest levels due to injuries, it is McIlroy who has the better chance to stamp his class all over the showpiece. Bjorn believes Rory can be the story with time running out for the Northern Irishman to achieve the Holy Grail of lifting a Claret Jug at St Andrews.
The Dane believes even McIlroy’s rivals are inspired when he’s on it as he brings a vibrancy and spark. Bjorn said: “Rory is X-Factor and that is because everybody gets excited when he plays well.
