Rory McIlroy: 'I hadn't seen the back nine. I only played the front nine in the pro-am'

“One of the main reasons I love coming back here is because of that atmosphere that's created when we're out there."

UP AND RUNNING: Rory McIlroy let the good times roll all the way to the brink of his return to the course. Understandably, it meant his restart was a little sluggish to get going. Pic: Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Having taken a week to get away way from it all, Rory McIlroy let the good times roll all the way to the brink of his return to the course. Understandably, it meant his restart was a little sluggish to get going.  

The 35-year-old left his latest Major struggles, the endless LIV-PGA drama and private life problems behind last week as he flew to Italy for a friend’s wedding. Returning to the Tour here this week coincided with another celebration with caddie and close friend Harry Diamond’s birthday on Wednesday.