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 was relieved to stay in Open contention after a rollercoaster first round in front of a huge home crowd. The Northern Irish hero, who hit just TWO fairways, crumbled under similar

Here's what to know about McIlroy's roots, from his hometown and upbringing, to his young golf career before he emerged as one of the best players in the world. McIlroy was born in Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland in 1989. His father was also from Holywood, while his mother was from Lurgan, County Armagh.

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 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's nightmare start to The Open Championship at Royal Portrush six years ago left a lasting impact on Tom McKibbin, who was feeling the nerves ahead of his opening round

Rory McIlroy attended the Association of Golf Writers dinner on Tuesday evening and was decked out in green — Masters green.

So here is our final major big board of the year, ranking the top 30 golfers in the field. This is not simply the 30 best golfers in a vacuum. These are the 30 golfers that our crack team of Gabby Herzig, Hugh Kellenberger and Brody Miller believe are best suited to win this week at Royal Portrush.

Rory McIlroy was in a relaxed mood during final practice on Wednesday at the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush, as the Masters champion looks to win his home major