Rory McIlroy found redemption at Royal Portrush six years after his nightmare 2019 missed cut, delivering the magical weekend Northern Ireland deserved.

The boss of golf’s European Tour has likened Rory McIlroy’s upcoming visit to play the Australian Open to when Tiger Woods flew Down Under to play in Australia’s marquee events more than a decade ago.

Rory McIlroy arrived in his home country with unfinished business. He lost the Open by seven — but left with something important nonetheless.

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.

Rory McIlroy was audibly frustrated by a wayward effort that all-but ended his hopes of winning The Open. McIlroy returned to the Royal Portrush Golf Club for Sunday’s final round eight

While Rory McIlroy’s Northern Ireland homecoming won’t have the fairytale finish of winning a second Claret Jug at Royal Portrush, the atmosphere surrounding his return was amongst the highlights of an unforgettable Open Championship.

Follow live coverage of the third round at the Open Championship as Scottie Scheffler looks to build his lead at Royal Portrush

Rory McIlroy entered the third round at The Open Championship at his home country's Royal Portrush Golf Club on Saturday not looking like he was firmly in conte