It was not quite the glorious homecoming Rory McIlroy had dared to dream of on his return to Royal Portrush but it felt like redemption for Northern Ireland's favourite sporting son after the heartbreak of six years ago.

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

IN the end the fairytale the vast majority of fans at the 153rd Open Championship wanted to see didn’t transpire, but the fact Scottie Scheffler turned the final day into the second parade Portrush had witnessed in the space of 24 hours won’t take away from what was a very special week.

So, this was weird: Rory McIlroy, playing his second shot from the rough on the 11th at Royal Portrush in Round 3 of the British Open, somehow managed to unearth another ball in mid-swing. The second ball was apparently embedded in the ground a few inches ahead of McIlroy's ball, and popped into the air as McIlroy's shot flew greenward.

McIlroy has played solid enough through 36 holes at The Open Championship but will need to actually move on Moving Day

Rory McIlroy hopes to pull off an audacious comeback at The Open 2025 with Scottie Scheffler holding a commanding lead heading into Sunday’s fourth round at Royal Portrush. The world No 1 is four shots clear of Haotong Li,

Home favourite Rory McIlroy birdied three of his first four holes to mount a third-round charge as world number Scottie Scheffler maintained his British Open lead in perfect scoring conditions on Saturday.

Rory McIlroy will play the weekend at a Royal Portrush Open. But to contend, he'll need to straighten out his driver.

Legendary golfer Phil Mickelson continues to defy expectations, competing in another major championship at the age of 55. The lefty shot one under par through the first round at Royal Portrush and delivered a jaw-dropping moment on the third hole.