McIlroy was born just 62 miles from the site of the 153rd Open Championship and set a new course record of 61 at Dunluce Road when he was just 16-years-old, so expectations were through the roof when he returned to his old haunt for the only major this side of the Atlantic in 2019.

McIlroy said Monday that he was overwhelmed by the reception he received six years ago in his home of Northern Ireland. Now a Grand Slam winner, he's ready for this week's championship.

It’s Open week and despite completing the career Grand Slam there’s still a huge amount of pressure on Rory McIlroy. McIlroy comes to Royal Portrush off the back of a second place finish at the Scottish Open over the weekend,