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.

By the time Rory McIlroy finished his first practice round for the British Open at Royal Portrush, a big crowd that weathered rain and sunshine was waiting to see him finish.

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — Rory McIlroy was younger and less seasoned mentally than he is now. He had no idea what to expect when he stepped to the first tee in the opening round of the 2019 British Open at Royal Portrush, a golf course in Northern Ireland located 60 miles from his boyhood home on which he set the course record as a 16-year-old.