Rory McIlroy's legion of fans came in hope more than expectation to the final day of the British Open at Royal Portrush.

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 top two golfers in the world are firmly in contention at The Open with Scheffler out in front entering another major championship weekend

Rory McIlroy shot 1-under 70 in the first round of the British Open at Royal Portrush that is also serving as a homecoming for the Northern Irish star.

Royal Portrush has a storied history in the evolution of golf in Ireland as it prepares to host The Open for a third time

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