It was a return six years in the making, and it was a return that perfectly encapsulated Rory McIlroy. Making the trek back to Royal Portrush for The Open Championship -- now as a career grand slam winner -- the Northern Irishman experienced a topsy-turvy day as the hard stuff came easy and the easy stuff came hard.

McIlroy, playing with Justin Thomas and Tommy Fleetwood, is one of the early starters in Friday’s second round and sits just three shots behind the leaders overnight, with world No 1 Scottie Scheffler,

Rory McIlroy remains in the mix after a topsy-turvy start to his Open Championship at Royal Portrush. The pressure got the better of the Northern Irishman the last time the tournament was held in his home country,

A deluge did land as McIlroy was making his way up the 18th hole, where he was greeted by a sea of umbrellas and a huge roar from the crowds huddled beneath them, who are only too delighted to have their hero around for two more days after he worked hard for a two-under second round of 69 to add to his opening 70.

Rory McIlroy came close to finishing among the leaders in the first round of the Open, but the back nine proved it can be a tough challenge for anyone.

Rory McIlroy remains in contention heading into the weekend of The Open Championship, and the Northern Irishman has the benefit of having the home crowd behind him