McIlroy didn't play his best Thursday at Royal Portrush but shot 1-under 70 and is three shots off the 18-hole lead.

Rory McIlroy shot 1 under Thursday at Royal Portrush, a better start than the first time he played the British Open at the Northern Ireland course near home.

Rory McIlroy's first round at Royal Portrush was the usual rollercoaster of a ride but he came through it and is just three off the lead heading into Friday.

Rory McIlroy shot 1-under 70 in the first round of the British Open at Royal Portrush that is also serving as a homecoming for the Northern Irish star.

It was ugly at times and he barely located a fairway but Rory McIlroy's homecoming party at Royal Portrush 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.

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

Six years is a long time to wait, but as Rory McIlroy stepped onto the first tee box at Royal Portrush on Thursday and the loud, but nervous cheers from the heavy Northern Ireland crowd washed over him,

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,

RORY McILROY revealed he was “feeling the support of a country” after finishing his opening round at The Open. The Holywood star, 36, teed off at Royal Portrush on Thursday and shot a

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.

Disaster on the first when the championship returned to the county Antrim golf course six years ago has made the field very wary as they begin their rounds