Rory McIlroy's legion of fans came in hope more than expectation to the final day of the British Open at Royal Portrush.

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,

McIlroy capped the Grand Slam in April, and called this “an awesome week" after tying for seventh place at Portrush.

Rory McIlroy climbed the leaderboard Saturday at the 2025 Open Championship thanks in large part to an electric eagle putt on the par-five 12th.

The Northern Ireland native picked up a ball from the thick rough, held it out in front of him and burst out laughing. While hitting a shot, he unearthed another ball.

A brief look at the third round of the British Open at Royal Portrush: LEADING: Scottie Scheffler with a 4-under 67 to reach 14-under 199. CHASING: Li Haotong (69) was four shots behind, with Matt Fitzpatrick (71) five shots back.

Bookmark this play if Rory McIlroy is in the mix this weekend for the claret jug. McIlroy overcame a shaky driver to turn in a one-under 70 Thursday at Royal Portrush and opened his second round with a birdie.