Rory McIlroy puts Portrush demons to bed as push for sixth major title begins - The struggles of 2019 are but a distant memory

Home favourite Rory McIlroy rewards fans with strong start at Royal Portrush - McIlroy reached the turn in two under par.

Yes. McIlroy debuted at the 2007 British Open as a low amateur. Since then, he has managed one win at the final golf major of the year. McIlroy finally completed the feat at the 2014 British Open, when the tournament was held at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Holylake, England.

You see the crowds, cameras and childlike excitement before you see Rory McIlroy – the local hero is somewhere in there applying the finishing touches to his game on the putting green before making the short walk over to the first tee.

McIlroy ejected on the first hole and ultimately missed the cut when The Open was last played in his home country of Northern Ireland

In 2005, when he was 16 years old and playing in the North of Ireland Championship, Rory McIlroy set the course record at Royal Portrush by shooting a bogey-free 61 in the second round of the qualifiers. McIlroy shot a 71 at the Valley course in the first round before setting the record at the Dunluce course, the more famous and tougher of the two.

Rory McIlroy’s homecoming could be off to a rocky start with thunderstorms expected around his opening tee time at Royal Portrush. The Northern Irishman, who missed the cut when The Open was

When Rory McIlroy arrived at Royal Portrush six years ago it was meant to be a glorious homecoming for Northern Ireland's most famous sportsman but his British Open hopes lasted only two rounds.

Rory McIlroy exuded a sense of calm during his final practice round at Royal Portrush, even taking time to pose for some photos on a bench behind the fifth green in the beautiful sunshine.

McIlroy said Monday that he was overwhelmed by the reception he received six years ago in his home of Northern Ireland. Now a Grand Slam winner, he's ready for this week's championship.

"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.

The Open Championship got underway at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Co. Antrim on Thursday and Rory McIlroy has been welcomed back in classic Paddy Power style. The Irish bookmaker, notorious for displaying gag signs at major sporting events,