Rory McIlroy autographed Open gear from Portrush selling for eye-watering prices online
McIlroy hit out at one group who had pestered him for autographs as some sellers are looking to cash in
Rory McIlroy is the No.1 draw at The Open and some online accounts are now looking to cash in on his popularity and their access at Portrush. Tens of thousands of adoring fans have tried to get a glimpse of the grand slam hero as he returns home this week for the fourth and final major of 2025.
His Masters triumph in April saw him secure a fifth major, and compete the set of all four of golf's majors - The Masters, the USPGA, US Open and The Open.
The 153rd Open at Portrush is the first chance fans here have had a chance to see the Holywood native in his home country since then and he has been generous with his time after rounds, signing autographs for hundreds of his supporters.
However, McIlroy was not happy when he spotted one group, who had already pestered him for signatures earlier in the week and he put the group of what he seen as professional autograph hunters in their place.
"Guys, I've signed enough for you this week," said McIlroy during a 10-minute signing period after a practice round. When the pair claimed they were innocent, McIlroy didn't hesitate to respond firmly: "Yeah, you have." He then ended the situation by telling them: "Stop lying. Get off the fence and let the kids come in."
The golfer's security guard stepped in and threatened to eject the autograph hunters if they refused to leave.
Some of the Open merchandise, sellers claim has been signed by McIlroy, has appeared on marketplaces online with signed flags going for £500-700 and beyond.
One seller is asking for £515.70 for an autographed flag from Portrush this week. The flags retail at just £25 at the course or on the Open online shop.
Another seller on eBay is asking for $750 for a McIlroy signed Open flag.
Those are minuscule compared to the whopping fees demanded for signed McIlroy gear from the Masters this year - where he completed the career grand slam.
A signed Masters flag from Augusta is on offer for £1,791 on eBay. Another McIlroy signed Nike hat with a picture of him lifting the Masters trophy is available on one merchandise site for over £1,200.
A pair of Black FootJoy shoes with Rory's signature are also going for a cool £899 on icons.com, another sport merchandise site.
The memorabilia market is huge in sport with fans desperate for any piece of their idols or a connection. The value increases with time, depending on the star involved, the authenticity and the condition.
The kit worn by Diego Maradona while he scored the infamous 'Hand of God' goal against England at the 1986 World Cup was sold for £7.1million.
The most valued sports collectible item ever sold is Babe Ruth's jersey for the 1932 World Series, sold for over $24 million. Michael Jordan's 1998 NBA Finals jersey sold for $10.1million in 2023.