Not only is McIlroy’s homecoming a victory parade after his career grand slam sealing Masters triumph in April, it is also may be the last legitimate chance the 36-year-old has to lift the Claret Jug in his home country as there are no venues locked in beyond St Andrews in 2027.

Rory McIlroy, a Northern Ireland native, played by himself early Monday at Royal Portrush, seeing the course for the first time since 2019.

Rory McIlroy's confidence was not dented despite coming up short at the Scottish Open on Sunday, and just a few hours later, he sent a signal of intent to his rivals at The Open Championship

Rory McIlroy has taken a razor to his hair and resharpened his focus. The world No 2 goes into his first home event since winning the Masters warning his rivals that his strange two-month malaise is over and that his major ambition has returned.

Rory McIlroy came within a whisker of his second Genesis Scottish Open title, but ultimately finished two strokes behind a surprising winner.

McIlroy sounded very much like a player who didn’t want to be at Oakmont, like he can’t wait to get on his private jet after Sunday’s final round and get out of Dodge. 4. Rory McIlroy, ...

The world No. 2 finished runner-up at the Genesis Scottish Open, gaining momentum for next week's British Open in his native homeland.