McIlroy has been roared around the course by the home fans that also brings extra pressure for the Masterd champion

Rory McIlroy felt the support of “an entire country” kept him going as he overcame a mid-round wobble and finished strongly to keep his Open hopes alive at Royal Portrush.

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

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

Rory McIlroy three strokes off the early lead at The Open after an opening-round 70 at Royal Portrush; McIlroy chasing second major win of the season after his Grand Slam success at The Masters in April;

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.

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.

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,