McIlroy could not reproduce his Saturday magic to catch Scottie Scheffler, but he still achieved a level of redemption at his home Open

Just as a certain Northern Irishman’s golf ball flew left, but not too far left, and safely settled in the rough, the sun peeked ou

It was ugly at times and he barely located a fairway but Rory McIlroy's homecoming party at Royal Portrush this time did not go as flat as a pint of stale Guinness as he scrambled to an opening-round 70 at the British Open on Thursday.

It was a return six years in the making, and it was a return that perfectly encapsulated Rory McIlroy. Making the trek back to Royal Portrush for The Open Championship -- now as a career grand slam winner -- the Northern Irishman experienced a topsy-turvy day as the hard stuff came easy and the easy stuff came hard.

Rory McIlroy made a valiant return to Royal Portrush at the British Open, posting an opening-round 70. Despite battling difficult conditions, McIlroy's round was a testament to his determination. Walking off the course three shots off the lead,

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.

The Open was Northern Ireland’s biggest-ever sporting event with 278,000 spectators passing through Royal Portrush’s gates and McIlroy added to the rave reviews. "Honestly, I think Portrush has quickly turned into one of the best two or three venues that The Open goes to,

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.