Follow live coverage of the third round at the Open Championship as Scottie Scheffler looks to build his lead at Royal Portrush

Rory McIlroy shot 1-under 70 in the first round of the British Open at Royal Portrush that is also serving as a homecoming for the Northern Irish star.

Rory McIlroy's choke at the 2019 Open was inexplicable. Unless you ask one of the expert psychologists who studied it.

World number two Rory McIlroy says he "could be a couple closer to the lead" at the halfway stage of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush but described his position as "decent" heading into the weekend.

By Martyn Herman and Ed Osmond PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland (Reuters) -World number one Scottie Scheffler conjured up a brilliant 64 to lead the British Open after an enthralling second round as home favourite Rory McIlroy's roller-coaster ride continued at Royal Portrush on Friday.

ROYAL PORTRUSH — The Masters took four days to drain the Rory McIlroy fan base of emotional resource. Northern Ireland might well run out of tranquilisers come Sunday should McIlroy get that far. No eight on the card, yet, but tumult aplenty on the opening day in Portrush.

Rory McIlroy will be roared on in his homeland as the 153rd British Open gets underway at Royal Portrush on Thursday (Friday in Manila) as world number one Scottie Scheffler seeks his first Claret Jug.