The last time the British Open came to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, Rory McIlroy missed the cut. Will he claim his second major of the year this time around?

Rory McIlroy couldn't have asked for much more at Royal Portrush, save one thing. But there just happens to be one man unparalleled in his generation.

The child stood transfixed, overwhelmed by the moment, until reality crashed back when McIlroy had already moved 50 yards past. Panic flashed across the boy's face—had he missed his chance? He found his voice.

Rory McIlroy’s third-round charge at the British Open has been derailed in bizarre fashion after he unwittingly performed a trick shot at the 11th hole.

So, this was weird: Rory McIlroy, playing his second shot from the rough on the 11th at Royal Portrush in Round 3 of the British Open, somehow managed to unearth another ball in mid-swing. The second ball was apparently embedded in the ground a few inches ahead of McIlroy's ball, and popped into the air as McIlroy's shot flew greenward.

Reality says Rory McIlroy isn’t going to hoist the Claret Jug on the 18th hole on Sunday evening here to deafening roars from the home fans.

Scheffler earned his first Claret Jug by running away from the field over the weekend before winning by four shots. McIlroy finished tied for seventh, seven shots behind Scheffler. After his round he paid Scheffler the highest of praise, saying:

In post-round interviews, especially during bigger tournaments, you'll often hear tour pros say they plan to go back to their hotels or rental homes and get their minds off golf. For some that may mean playing with the kids,

In something you'll have to see to believe, Rory McIlroy hit not only his own golf ball but a second one buried in the turf close to his on the 11th hole.

Here's a look at how McIlroy scored in the third round of The Open Championship: McIlroy shot a 5-under 66 in the third round of The Open Championship on Saturday, July 19. Following an opening-round score of 1-under 70 and 2-under 69 in round two. He is now tied for fourth at 8 under par through three days of competition.

By the time Rory McIlroy finished his first practice round for the British Open at Royal Portrush, a big crowd that weathered rain and sunshine was waiting to see him finish.

Scottie Scheffler looked like the best player in golf at the British Open and now has a four-shot lead going into the final round at Royal Portrush