Shocked by the strength of the reception that greeted the returning hero at the start of the 2019 Open, McIlroy famously fired out of bounds off the tee, took eight shots to get the ball in the hole and went on to card a 79.

Rory McIlroy missed the cut when The Open was last played at Royal Portrush in 2019; McIlroy plays in Northern Ireland for the first time since completing the career Grand Slam at The Masters; Can McIlroy enjoy more major success?

Rory McIlroy admits he prioritised Royal Portrush return over career Grand Slam - The 36-year-old added a Masters green jacket to his collection in April to become the sixth player to win all four major championships.

The Open returns to Royal Portrush this week, six years on from the last time the major was held at the iconic golf club. The Dunluce Links Course is going to provide a tough test for the

Rory McIlroy attended the Association of Golf Writers dinner on Tuesday evening and was decked out in green — Masters green.

"It's nice to be able to accept adulation, even though I struggle with it at times," Rory McIlroy said of his return to Royal Portrush for the British Open.

Golf's oldest championship returns to Royal Portrush. It's the third time the British Open has gone to the Northern Ireland links. Shane Lowry won in 2019.