Home favourite Rory McIlroy falls short in bid for first-round Open lead

McIlroy had to settle for a one-over-par round of 70.

Rory McIlroy delighted the home fans on his return to Royal Portrush. Pic: Peter Byrne/PA.

Rory McIlroy looked like delivering the show the thousands who had flocked to Royal Portrush to cheer their returning hero expected, only for his bid for the first-round Open lead to collapse in the space of four holes on the back nine.

The Northern Irishman from an hour down the road in Holywood rarely comes to these parts due to commitments on the PGA Tour and on his last competitive visit in 2019 went home early after missing the cut.