Rory McIlroy Inspired by Royal Portrush Crowd
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Rory McIlroy, Open and Strong Finish
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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.
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.
Rory, spurred on by the thousands of Northern Irish fans at Royal Portrush, posted a 66 to head into Sunday six shots back of leader Scottie Scheffler.
Rory McIlroy said catching Scottie Scheffler to win the British Open on home soil in Northern Ireland will be an unenviable task on Sunday given the world number one's supreme form.
Thunderous roars wafted across the County Antrim coast, the loudest for some McIlroy magic, but world number one Scheffler was laser-focused to move to 14 under par and a four-stroke lead heading to the final day.
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Rory McIlroy stared at his card behind the 18th green and smiled the smile of a golfer who knew he’d had a day to remember at the British Open.