Home favourite Rory McIlroy rewards fans with strong start at Royal Portrush

McIlroy reached the turn in two under par.

Rory McIlroy delighted thousands of fans at Royal Portrush over the front nine of his first round of The Open. Pic: Peter Byrne/PA

Rory McIlroy put on a show for the thousands of fans who cheered his every move at his home Open at Royal Portrush as the Masters champion moved himself into contention on the first day.

Golf’s newest member of the elite career Grand Slam club was far from his best off the tee but made up for it on the greens, three birdies on his front nine leaving him just two shots off the lead.