24 h. ago Darren Clarke back at Royal Portrush with high hopes for McIlroy – and himself

The 2011 Open winner practised on Tuesday with the Masters champion and Tom McKibbin, and is keen for all three to make their markThe 7am tee-time practice trio on Tuesday at Royal Portrush: Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy, Tom McKibbin. The galleries grew and grew. The venue for the Open this week was the site of a starstruck McIlroy meeting Clarke on his 10th birthday in 1999. Clarke’s foundation played a key role in the early development of McIlroy. McKibbin, as a 13-year-old playing at McIlroy’s home club in Holywood, was invited by him to play in the Irish Open’s pro-am in 2016. The connections are as uplifting as they are strong.Clarke’s description of seeing McIlroy win the Masters in April, completing his set of majors, is therefore understandable. “I watched every shot,” Clarke says. “I couldn’t take my eyes off it. Rory winning there was almost like watching my two boys, Tyrone and Conor, win. I was that emotional. Continue reading...

Politics

25 h. ago Rory McIlroy denied 'greatest' tag as Open challenge laid down to Masters champion

Rory McIlroy recently completed the Career Slam at the Masters but Sir Nick Faldo still views Seve Ballesteros as Europe's greatest player, challenging the Northern Irishman to win another Major

Politics

39 h. ago What time does Rory McIlroy tee off at The Open? Start times, how to watch, prize money and latest odds

Masters champion targeting second career Claret Jug on home turf in Northern Ireland

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61 h. ago Rory McIlroy adopts new tactic to Open preparations after "four hours sleep"

Masters champion Rory McIlroy didn't rest up for long after his near miss at the Scottish Open as he got out early for his practice round at Royal Portrush in Ireland

Politics

65 h. ago Rory McIlroy determined to embrace adulation on Royal Portrush return

The Masters champion missed the cut last time the Open was staged on the Northern Irish links in 2019.

Politics

3 d. ago Chris Gotterup keeps nerve to hold off Rory McIlroy and win Scottish Open

World No 158 claims second tour title with North Berwick triumphAmerican also had to battle the clock during the closing stagesEast Lothian witnessed a David v Goliath story as Rory McIlroy was denied victory immediately before his return to Northern Ireland for the Open Championship. Chris Gotterup, who arrived at the Scottish Open as the 158th-ranked player in the world, saw off McIlroy for the biggest win of his career.McIlroy’s thoughts have already turned towards Royal Portrush and the major that has carried even more significance for the 36-year-old since he completed a career grand slam at Augusta National in April. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago Rory McIlroy told he got wrong end of the stick after irking Open champion

Rory McIlroy turned his nose up at the idea of playing on the PGA Tour Champions, with his comments drawing a response from Ernie Els and the Masters champion's former agent

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5 d. ago Tiger Woods given retirement truth after he's seen hitting balls on the range

Tiger Woods has been out of action since March after he ruptured his Achilles in the build-up to the Masters, but the 15-time major champion has been seen hitting balls on the range

Events

6 d. ago Rory McIlroy finds his mojo getting out of bunker trouble on day one at Scottish Open

Masters champion holes three long putts to finishScottie Scheffler three off lead after first roundThe latest glimpse of a return of Rory McIlroy’s mojo arrived over the closing stretch of the Scottish Open’s first round. He has spoken of an understandable need to find new mountains to scale after Masters glory completed a career grand slam. On the 15th hole at the Renaissance Club, the Northern Irishman was in trouble; his fairway bunker shot had rolled back towards his feet. McIlroy’s ball sat in the mark created by his first attempt. “It served me right for trying to hit a nine-iron with the lip two feet in front of me,” he said later.The response was notable. The world No 2 pitched out sideways, holed from 21ft – and the fringe of the green – for a bogey and rattled off three birdies in a row over the closing holes. A 68 to start at the tournament which precedes McIlroy’s Open Championship tilt at Portrush was hugely impressive in context. He sits only four shots from the lead. ...

Events

6 d. ago Rory McIlory opens up on life in his new home in leafy Surrey with Erica Stoll after Masters champion finally granted his wife her wish

The Masters champion has been enjoying a two-week break in England after finishing sixth in the Travelers Championship, and making the decision to move back across the pond.

Sport

7 d. ago Rory McIlroy targets Scottish Open success after escaping PGA Tour ‘grind’

The Masters champion took a few weeks off after finishing in a tie for sixth at the Travelers Championship last month

Events

7 d. ago Rory McIlroy eager to tackle Scottish Open after break from PGA Tour ‘grind’

The US Masters champion took a few weeks off after finishing in a tie for sixth at the Travelers Championship last month.

Politics

3 w. ago Rory McIlroy trails by two as Scottie Scheffler holds share of lead

Masters champion McIlroy was looking to build some momentum following a tough run.

Politics

3 w. ago Rory McIlroy two shots off early clubhouse leader at Travelers Championship

The Masters champion had finished tied for 19th at last week’s US Open

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