PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — The previous time Rory McIlroy played an Open Championship at Royal Portrush, it was too much to handle. After a disastrous eight on the opening hole of the first round in 2019, the moment ended before it had even begun for the hometown hero.

In the lineage of golf courses, Royal Portrush isn't in the same stratosphere as St. Andrews or Augusta National or Pebble Beach. But to Rory McIlroy, it's special.