The roar from the packed grandstands around Royal Portrush's 12th green was deafening. Rory McIlroy had just rolled in a long eagle putt, and 30,000 Northern Ireland faithful erupted as one. It was, McIlroy would later say,

Rory McIlroy’s return to Australia is not coming cheap. But as one of just six men to win golf’s grand slam, he’s going to make a big impression.

Rory McIlroy arrived in his home country with unfinished business. He lost the Open by seven — but left with something important nonetheless.

Yes. McIlroy debuted at the 2007 British Open as a low amateur. Since then, he has managed one win at the final golf major of the year. McIlroy finally completed the feat at the 2014 British Open, when the tournament was held at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Holylake, England.

Rory McIlroy was audibly frustrated by a wayward effort that all-but ended his hopes of winning The Open. McIlroy returned to the Royal Portrush Golf Club for Sunday’s final round eight

While Rory McIlroy’s Northern Ireland homecoming won’t have the fairytale finish of winning a second Claret Jug at Royal Portrush, the atmosphere surrounding his return was amongst the highlights of an unforgettable Open Championship.

Scottie Scheffler has a one-shot lead over Matt Fitzpatrick going into the third round of the British Open. Saturday is known as moving day in golf.

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