It was a return six years in the making, and it was a return that perfectly encapsulated Rory McIlroy. Making the trek back to Royal Portrush for The Open Championship -- now as a career grand slam winner -- the Northern Irishman experienced a topsy-turvy day as the hard stuff came easy and the easy stuff came hard.

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.

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

Second round groupings and start times at Royal Portrush including Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler - McIlroy, playing with Justin Thomas and Tommy Fleetwood, is one of the early starters in Friday’s second round and sits just three shots behind the leaders overnight,

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,

Former major champion Graeme McDowell believes the weight of expectation could harm Rory McIlroy's chances of a home major victory at The Open.