Portrush ready to Ror

Is there any wonder Rory McIlroy is ready to embrace his tournament favouritism at Royal Portrush as the 2012 Irish Open gets underway today?

McIlroy heads a prominent list of Irish talent with the capability to land a home victory in front of at least 110,000 spectators after all four days sold out their 27,500 capacity for the first time at any regular European Tour event.

With a wet and windy week in prospect on the Antrim coast, starting with the worst of it today, the Dunluce links is set to offer the stiffest possible golfing challenge and Portrush resident Darren Clarke believes a little local knowledge will go a long way.