Rory McIlroy's legion of fans came in hope more than expectation to the final day of the British Open at Royal Portrush.

It was not quite the glorious homecoming Rory McIlroy had dared to dream of on his return to Royal Portrush but it felt like redemption for Northern Ireland's favourite sporting son after the heartbreak of six years ago.

Six years after his emotional missed cut at Royal Portrush, McIlroy stuck around for four days of heavy praise from the hometown crowd, which showered McIlroy all the way through his 10-under performance and T-7 finish.

How to watch every single shot from the biggest names in golf throughout Round 4 at the 2025 Open Championship

In post-round interviews, especially during bigger tournaments, you'll often hear tour pros say they plan to go back to their hotels or rental homes and get their minds off golf. For some that may mean playing with the kids,

Rory McIlroy receives a rapturous reception as he finishes the 2025 Open in front of a home crowd at Portrush.