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

After Rory McIlroy's final round at his home course of Royal Portrush on Sunday at The Open Championship, McIlroy outlined what he respects so much about Scottie Scheffler.

Rory McIlroy’s jokes about “more grey than I already am” for the Open’s return to Royal Portrush before his retirement could also apply to the impact of trying to close down Sunday champion Scottie Scheffler.

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

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 is feeling good about his game again as he looks to shake off a lull in form ahead of the Ryder Cup; McIlroy tied for seventh at The 153rd Open, which was won by World No 1 Scottie Scheffler,

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 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.

"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.

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