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.

Two days after the eye-opening deep riff on the meaning of life that world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler delivered in his pre-tournament press conference, he posted a 3-under-par 68 in the first round of the British Open Thursday at Portrush.

Matt Fitzpatrick in five-way tie for the lead at The Open; Scottie Scheffler one back and Rory McIlroy three behind at Royal Portrush alongside Jon Rahm and Shane Lowry; Watch the second round live on Friday from 6.