Ernie Els has called for The Open to return to Muirfield, a course that past adversary Rory McIlroy admitted would leave him with a ‘bad taste in his mouth’ whenever he played there

Erne Els believes The Open should make a long-awaited return to Muirfield(Image: Getty)

Rory McIlroy once confessed he’d be left with a sour taste whenever he teed off at Muirfield, but Ernie Els has now urged The Open to make its comeback to the Scottish venue. Muirfield was ᵴtriƥped from the major championship’s hosting schedule in 2016.

That decision was made following a contentious ballot which maintained the prohibition on female membership. Whilst this ruling was overturned just 12 months later, the harm had already been inflicted in McIlroy’s view.

The Open hasn’t made its way back to Muirfield since being reinstated to the rota in 2017. Yet now Els, who has previously locked horns with Masters winner McIlroy, has delivered a heartfelt plea regarding the links course.

“Yes, Muirfield should host [The Open] as soon as possible,” the two-time Open winner told reporters at the unveiling of his Els Club Vilamoura, a new Algarve golf venue.

“I’m not sure why it’s not gone back there. It’s been more than 10 years. Normally there is a 10-year gap between Opens at a particular course. In my view, Muirfield is up there, it’s in my top three [courses].”

Muirfield previously staged The Open in 2013, when Phil Mickelson secured the Claret Jug. Despite being restored to the rotation eight years ago, golf’s oldest tournament has yet to make its return, reports Belfast Live.

Muirfield last hosted The Open 12 years ago(Image: Getty)

Should McIlroy’s remarks from 2017 be taken into account, Northern Ireland’s top golfer would probably prefer it never does, as he exclaimed: “In this day and age where you’ve got women who are the leaders of certain industries and heads of state, not being able to join a golf course, I think it’s obscene and ridiculous.

“They sort of saw sense, but I still think [the fact that] it got to this stage is horrendous. We’ll go back and play the Open because they’ve let women members in, but every time I go to Muirfield now I won’t have a great taste in my mouth.”

Much to McIlroy’s probable dismay, R&A chief executive Mark Darbon has revealed that talks are taking place about Muirfield staging an Open Championship, with the sole obstacle being the venue’s practice facilities.

“We love the golf course at Muirfield,” confessed Darbon. “We’re in discussions with the venue right now. There are some things we need to evolve at Muirfield, the practice ground, in particular is a challenge for us with a modern Open.

“There’s some work to facilitate some infrastructure we need, but there’s some good dialogue and we’d love to go back there in the future.”

It appears that both McIlroy and Els are at odds over The Open’s seemingly certain comeback to Muirfield, and this isn’t the first occasion both have clashed.

Earlier this year, McIlroy was questioned about when he’d retire from the sport and responded bluntly to an enquiry about the Champions Tour, previously known as the Senior PGA Tour.

McIlroy’s comments irked Els(Image: Getty)

When asked whether he’d contemplate ever competing on the aforementioned tour, McIlroy didn’t hold back and declared: “Absolutely not.

“I will not play Champions Tour golf. Look, I’ve said a lot of absolutes in my time that I’ve walked back, but I do not envision playing Champions Tour golf. Something has gone terribly wrong if I have to compete at golf at 50.”

Els appeared to take offence at such a harsh dismissal, and he turned to social media, writing: “Interesting to read Rory McIlroy’s comments today. At 35 years old I was also bullet proof saying things about not playing past 50. I’m 55 now and laughing at my comments from back then.

“The Champions Tour is so fulfilling with a great bunch of players we all grew up together from junior golf. Our sponsors and partners are wonderful companies and people. Competition is a powerful tool!”