Rory McIlroy returns to Hoylake looking to end nine-year major drought

PAST GLORIES: Rory McIlroy celebrates after winning the 2014 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool. Pic: David Davies/PA Wire.

Eight years and 11 months. 3,266 days. 78,384 hours.

Whichever way you look at it, by the time the 151st Open Championship gets under way the length of time since Rory McIlroy's last major victory is truly remarkable.