Rory McIlroy's return to Royal Portrush for the 153rd Open Championship is charged with emotional and historical significance. In 2019, he opened with a disastrous 79, including a quadruple-bogey eight on the first hole, and missed the cut by a single stroke, despite a brilliant second-round 65.
That week remains one of McIlroy's most painful memories. It was not just a missed cut; it was a missed chance in front of a home crowd. Now, aged 36 and with a Masters title finally secured earlier this year, McIlroy returns more experienced, focused and mentally equipped.
