"[The support is] absolutely incredible," McIlroy said.

The last time the British Open came to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, Rory McIlroy missed the cut.

Just 24 hours later, he rebounded to shoot a 65 -- a 14-shot swing from one day to the next.

The galleries were five thick around Royal Portrush's ninth green and cries of 'Bring it Home Rory' filled the Causeway Coast air as Northern Ireland's favourite sporting son went about his business ...

"I felt like I dealt with it really well today," said McIlroy, who completed his career Grand Slam by winning the Masters this year to snap an 11-year major drought.

Rory McIlroy remains in contention at The Open 2025 with the Masters champion beginning Friday’s second round with a steady performance over the front nine at Royal Portrush. The Northern Irishman remains a distance behind a leading pack that includes 2023 champion Brian Harman,

In the next group out at 5:09 a.m., world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will begin his quest for a first Open title alongside two men who have won one already in Collin Morikawa and Shane Lowry.