McIlroy could not reproduce his Saturday magic to catch Scottie Scheffler, but he still achieved a level of redemption at his home Open

So, this was weird: Rory McIlroy, playing his second shot from the rough on the 11th at Royal Portrush in Round 3 of the British Open, somehow managed to unearth another ball in mid-swing. The second ball was apparently embedded in the ground a few inches ahead of McIlroy's ball, and popped into the air as McIlroy's shot flew greenward.

Rory McIlroy found redemption at Royal Portrush six years after his nightmare 2019 missed cut, delivering the magical weekend Northern Ireland deserved.

The top two golfers in the world are firmly in contention at The Open with Scheffler out in front entering another major championship weekend

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.

The final day dawns at Royal Portrush as the 153rd Open Championship is set for a grandstand finish on the Dunluce Links.

"It's nice to be able to accept adulation, even though I struggle with it at times," Rory McIlroy said of his return to Royal Portrush for the British Open.

Rory McIlroy will play the weekend at a Royal Portrush Open. But to contend, he'll need to straighten out his driver.

The original version of this story was published on July 16, 2019, ahead of The Open Championship’s return to Royal Portrush in 2019. With The Open back at Portrush this year, the article was updated to reflect current-day statistics.

Rory McIlroy carded a third-round 66 and moved to tied-fourth at The Open, six strokes behind Scottie Scheffler; McIlroy chasing sixth major title and home victory at Royal Portrush; Watch the final r

Live scores, updates and highlights as The Open continues with final-round action in Northern Ireland led by Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy