Open champion says he’s ‘proud’ of McIlroy’s achievements after his fellow countryman completed a career grand slam when winning the Masters in April

Rory McIlroy is back at Royal Portrush for the Masters and admits he was taken aback by the volume of support he received when he played in his homeland six years ago

Local hero Rory McIlroy hoisting aloft his second Claret Jug at a packed Royal Portrush, marking a first professional triumph on Northern Irish soil, would undoubtedly be the perfect ending to The Open Championship this weekend – but just how likely is that outcome?

At one point the situation was so chaotic that security had to react, ready to prevent the invasion of fans. Rory McIlroy was not satisfied with the reaction of individuals, mostly children who did not choose methods to get the 35-year-old golfer's autograph.

McIlroy ejected on the first hole and ultimately missed the cut when The Open was last played in his home country of Northern Ireland

Rory McIlroy was always destined for greatness. The Northern Irishman was chipping golf balls into washing machines on television talks shows when he was eight years old. Everyone who encountered

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.

Rory McIlroy may have begun another year with the ambition of completing a career Grand Slam but a return to his home Open at Royal Portrush was the one week he was really looking forward to.The 36-year-old did duly end an 11-year wait to add a Masters green jacket to his collection,

When Rory McIlroy arrived at Royal Portrush six years ago it was meant to be a glorious homecoming for Northern Ireland's most famous sportsman but his British Open hopes lasted only two rounds.