Cameron Smith

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy chips out of a bunker on the 17th during practice day ahead of The Open start at Royal Troon. (Photo by Jane Barlow/PA Wire).

ANALYSIS: Rory McIlroy once again in major spotlight with Open start up next

Rory McIlroy returns to Valhalla where he won the 2014 PGA Championship in a bid to end major drought

OPINION: McIlroy in fine form to end over 3,500 day wait for major title

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy tees off on the 16th hole at Royal Liverpool ahead of this week's Open challenge in Hoylake. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Open bid 'just golf' for Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy kisses the Claret Jug after his victory in the 143rd Open Championship at Royal Liverpool in 2014 - one of four majors won by the Northern Ireland-born player

Breaking down the numbers game behind Rory McIlroy's major wait

Rory McIlroy reacts to a missed birdie putt on the 10th green during Sunday's final round of the US Open

COMMENT: Rory’s major story on repeat in the land of the movies

Rory McIlroy reacts after missing a putt on the 18th hole during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Sunday, June 18, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Next major title worth ‘100 Sundays like this’ insists Rory McIlroy

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy has no problem with number one ranking as 'hot potato'

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy with the FedEx Cup thanks to a dramatic final round. Pic by Getty.

Rory McIlroy makes FedEx Cup history with stunning success

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy listens to a question during a press conference at East Lake Golf Club prior to the start of the Tour Championship golf tournament. Pic by PA.

Rory McIlroy hoping to ‘finish the PGA Tour season on a high’

Rory McIlroy hits his approach shot on the 18th hole during the pro-am prior to the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind

Rory McIlroy seeks to put Open heartache behind him in bid for third FedEx Cup

Letter to the editor

The golfer Rory McIlroy is back, Rory is back

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy. Pic by PA.

Rory McIlroy determined to finish season strongly after Open disappointment

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy (left) looks dejected after finishing his round on the 18th green with caddie Harry Diamond during day four of The Open at the Old Course, St Andrews. Pic by PA

Rory McIlroy ‘only human’ as he calls Open winner Cameron Smith ‘better player’

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy on the 18th after finishing his round during day four of The Open at the Old Course, St Andrews. He fell just short of his second Open victory. Photo: David Davies/PA Wire

Open golf: Rory McIlroy just misses out on championship glory

Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland of Norway look on from the 3rd tee during Day Three of The 150th Open at St Andrews Old Course

Open leader Rory McIlroy takes two-shot advantage into the back nine

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy after hitting from the rough on the 15th during day two of The Open at the Old Course, St Andrews. Pic by PA.

Rory McIlroy delighted to be in Open contention heading into the weekend

Rory McIlroy felt he was in a strong position to end his major drought after maintaining his promising start to the Open at St Andrews.

By The Newsroom

Rory McIlroy lines up a putt on the 10th green during the first round of the Masters

Putting costs Rory McIlroy during first round at Masters